Object Image

The unknown sitter has been described as a Florentine nobleman, but his deep red gown with the wide, plain falling collar and wide lace cuffs suggest that he may have had a position in the government of Genoa, where Sustermans was working in 1649. His gaze is firm and serious, his moustache impressive and his features strong, though bearing the marks of late middle age. The full gown accentuates his imposing posture, while the papers in his right hand suggest an administrative post of some authority. He holds a pair of leather gloves in his other hand.

Justus Sustermans was a much travelled artist. As well as Genoa, he also worked in Vienna, Innsbruck, Rome and other Italian cities painting po...

probably 1649
Oil on canvas
120.0 x 93.5cm
NG3227
Image and text © The National Gallery, London, 2024

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