Portrait of a Man c. 1618-20
Oil on panel | 123.3 x 92.7 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 407188
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This portrait was painted towards the end of Van Dyck's first Flemish period and the influences of Rubens can be perceived. There are considerable pentimenti (changes by the artist) in the ruff, which are visible to the naked eye. Further X-ray investigation revealed that this unknown man was painted over another portrait. The first sitter stood with his right hand at his side and wore a mill-stone ruff that was less thick, but wider. Differences in the head suggest that they are different sitters and that Van Dyck perhaps used an unfinished portrait for a new commission.
A copy of this painting is in Northampton Museum; the sitter was previously identified as Lord Henry Wentworth (c. 1448-1499).Provenance
Acquired by Frederick, Prince of Wales; possibly the 'Gentleman's head half length' attributed to Rubens in the 4th Room at Leicester House in 1749; possibly the Van Dyck portrait with 'Large Ruff, Short Hair' in the King's Gallery at Kensington Palace in 1778; certainly the painting listed in the Passage Room or Garden Room at Buckingham Palace in 1790 and 1819 (no 755), both times attributed to Rubens
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on panel
Measurements
123.3 x 92.7 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
Category
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Alternative title(s)
Portrait of a man in a ruff, previously identified as