Portrait of a man, England late 16th century

Made at the end of the 16th century, our portrait reveals a tight framing, focused on the face, elegantly bringing out a man from the sober and uniform background. This is a quite conventional representation for English portraits reborn; a feature that distinguishes them from Italian portraits with complex decorations.

The softness of the light evenly illuminates the subject’s face. This shows the work on precision and textures specifically remarkable at the level of eyes and beard. These are characteristics that seem inherited from the artists of the North: his principles were imported in England by Flemish artists coming to work for the English nobility during the century (Anthonis Mor is a notable example). Despite the desire to reflect a certain “realism”, this portrait is part of conventional codes of portrayal that aims to magnify the subject.

The painstaking work of the painter also underlines the refined taste of the man depicted for jewellery; the wearing of the earring by men is particularly fashionable in Elizabethan fashion. This earring, made of gold and gemstone, is another clear indicator of the high status of the sponsor.

This painting thus testifies to the importance of portrait commissions at that time in England. Indeed, having his portrait painted is essential for the English aristocracy to affirm its power and wealth while praising a sophisticated taste.

21 cm without frame
35 cm with frame