This late 16th-century Dutch School oil on canvas depicts Gaspard de Coligny, Seigneur de Châtillon, Admiral of France (1519-1572), wearing a black doublet, white ruff, and black fur-lined cloak. Born to a noble family in Châtillon-sur-Loing, France, Gaspard de Coligny was a distinguished nobleman who became a revered Huguenot leader during the French Wars of Religion.
Coligny was an exceptional military leader and awarded the rank of Admiral in 1552. Upon his brother’s advice, he became a Huguenot and placed himself as a key figure in the political arena. At a time of great tumult, he demanded greater religious tolerance from the government via diplomatic means, in an attempt to avoid war. Yet despite this, the country fell into a bitter series of conflicts, leading to more than two million fatalities through famine, disease or violence.
Following the death of the prince of Condé during battle, Coligny negotiated a truce and returned to the French court as a key aide of King Charles IX. But, feeling threatened by his growing influence, Catherine de’ Medici, the Queen Mother, began to plot his demise.
In 1572, Coligny was wounded by an assassin hired by Catherine causing young King Charles to declare that he’d avenge the brutal attempt on his life. However, swayed by Catherine’s protestations, he consented to Coligny's execution. What followed was the horrendous St. Bartholomew's Day massacre.
On August 24th, many of the foremost Huguenot leaders were gathered in Paris to celebrate the wedding of Henry of Navarre to the King’s sister. Once the order was given, the slaughter began and extended to various areas of France. Coligny was one of the first victims, stabbed in his home by a German mercenary, who then ejected his body through a window. A second soldier then beheaded him. The massacre lasted for several days during which over 20,000 Huguenots were killed.
This piece was probably produced shortly after his death to honour his service. Numerous portrayals have been rendered over the centuries but this appears to be a unique image. The likeness is almost certainly derived from an etching by Jost Amman (1539-1591), which was completed in 1573. But the outfit is uncommon and based upon the fashions of the year he died.
It’s inscribed ‘H Amiral De Chastillon’ along the lower edge and held within a rather rustic-looking Dutch-style cassetta frame with ebony veneer, which could be original. It was formerly with the actor, Adam Faith.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 25” x 27½” / 63cm x 70cm
Year of creation: c. 1575
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed ‘H Amiral De Chastillon’ along the lower edge.
Provenance: With Adam Faith / Private collection, UK.
Condition: Cleaned. Fine craquelure throughout. Various areas of historic restoration, pitting, darkening, multiple canvas relines. The paint layer is stable. Frame with various marks, repairs and alterations, and generally showing its age.
Our reference: BRV1933
