This heavily-inscribed early 17th-century half-length portrait depicts an officer wearing a silk doublet with a gorget, presented in a feigned oval. He’s standing alongside an anchor and ceremonial langdebeve, in reference to his motto ‘Per Mare Per Terras’ (by sea, by land).
It’s plausible that this portrait was produced posthumously and relates to a significant military leader, as one of the inscriptions translates as ‘Rise Again In Hope’. It’s dated 1638 and refers to the sitter as aged 75, giving us a birth year of circa 1563. These dates are compelling as Sweden became embroiled in the ‘Thirty Years’ War’ in 1630 when troops under King Gustavus Adolphus landed in Pomerania. Hence, it’s conceivable that our officer was involved from a strategic point of view.
It’s interesting to compare the gentleman’s appearance with Jacob Hoefnagel’s rendering of King Gustavus Adolphus from 1624.
Initially, our research led us to Scotland, due to the prominence of the motto ‘Per Mare Per Terras’, which is associated with the Scottish Clan Donald. It’s tempting to consider that this could be one of the oldest known Clan Donald portraits in existence; however, given that the painting was acquired in Sweden, and also the sitter’s resemblance to the King, it seems more plausible that he’s Swedish.
The portrait was previously attributed to an artist working in the circle of Dutch artist Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt (1566-1641) and it’s probably by a Dutch hand. A most fascinating discovery, with more questions than answers.
Held in a later frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 33½” x 38½” / 85cm x 98cm
Year of creation: c. 1638
Labels & Inscriptions: Numerous inscriptions, some of which have been lost over time. Legible inscriptions appear to read ‘Per mare per terras’, and something akin to ‘Iam deji_or Spe egregore’.
Provenance: Private collection, Sweden.
Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Historic areas of restoration. Later stretcher. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear.
Our reference: BRV2125
