Portrait Of A Young Dutch Officer. Michiel Janz. Van Miereveld (1567-1641) Attributed

Period early 17th century Oil on parquet oak panel Very beautiful old frame in gilded wood, carved with shells and acanthus leaves. Total dimensions: 100 x 88 cm. The panel alone: 65 x 54 cm This very attractive portrait represents a young "Stathouder" in political and military office in the United Provinces. The position was nominally open to anyone, but most provinces appointed a member of the House of Orange-Nassau. The painter has magnificently executed this face with its powerful expression. Mustache and beard hairs are realistically painted. While the contrast on this plain and dark background helps to highlight the character. Particular attention has been paid to the detail of the superbly executed lace collar as well as to the yellow fabric of the sleeves and to this green scarf embroidered with gold which crosses the armour, very expensive materials at the time. Michiel Jansz van Miereveld (Delft 1567–1641 Delft) Son of a goldsmith who apprenticed him from an early age to the engraver Hieronymus Wierix, he was then a pupil of Willem Willemz and Augusteyn of Delft. He became one of the most famous portrait painters of his time. His reputation was mainly based on his ability to achieve a perfect likeness of his models. Moreover, he surpassed many of his contemporaries in the three-dimensional quality of his faces, the splendid details of clothing, and the play of light. From 1604 Miereveld had regular commissions for paintings at the court in The Hague. One of his first subjects in this circle was Louise de Coligny, widow of William of Orange. Prince Maurice, who hated posing, gave the artist only one opportunity in 1607 to portray him. All subsequent portraits of the Prince are based on sketches made on this occasion, Miereveld adapting the appearance, hairstyle and fashion of dress to the actual age of the subject. Miereveld's earliest portrait of Frederick Henry (1584–1647), the youngest son of William of Orange, and brother and successor to Prince Maurice, dates from around 1610. Until around 1637, Miereveld's workshop remained the leading supplier of court portraits. Later, Gerard van Honthorst and other painters will take over. Sold with invoice & certificate of expertise