This fine late 17th-century Flemish portrait depicts a distinguished gentleman wearing a justaucorps, black cloak, white shirt, vest, leather gloves, and breeches. He’s carrying a wide-brimmed hat and sword.

Leaning somewhat nonchalantly, with his right arm resting on a classical plinth, he exudes confidence, status and personality. A glimpse of his estate, with a winding river and possibly a mill, is captured beyond. He’s a landowner of considerable means dressed in elaborate contemporary fashions.

During the 1670s, doublets were replaced by a long collarless coat, known as a justaucorps, which tended to be worn open over a vest and breeches. These generally featured narrow sleeves with wide turned-back cuffs to reveal a shirt, as we see here. In this example, the gentleman’s coat and vest are lavishly embroidered with gold thread, while his buttons are gilded.

It’s interesting that he’s opted to remove a single glove as this is likely to be a further demonstration of wealth. Hands were tricky to paint and their inclusion in a portrait often increased the fee.

For further examples of 1670s attire, please consult The Tichborne Dole (1671) by Flemish artist, Gillis van Tilborgh (c.1625-c.1678).

Held in a later frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 18½” x 22½” / 47cm x 57cm
Year of creation: c. 1675
Provenance: Private collections, Berlin, Brandenburg and Bavaria, Germany. Passed through a family for decades by descent.
Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Historic repairs. Faint stretcher marks. Craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear.
Our reference: BRV2063