17th Century Oil On Copper Miniature Portrait Of A Noble Man

Portrait of a Nobleman Carrying His Banyan Tree Oil on copper Oval, 9 cm x 6.5 cm Framed: 10 cm x 8 cm Provenance Private collection, Belgium A fine and highly detailed late 17th century continental copperplate portrait miniature of a nobleman c. 1680. The extravagantly dressed sitter wears a white, high-collared gown and chemise with a ruffled lace front. This heavy, luxurious gown was called a banyan and was worn indoors. Sometimes, because of its origins, it was also called an Indian or Persian gown. The example presented here is particularly impressive, as it is made from shimmering turquoise silk embroidered with gold thread, and it also features bows of a deeper solid blue. Such luxurious garments were often worn to welcome guests, and the velvet, brocade, and silk fabrics used in their construction were not only a visual display of wealth, they also helped protect the sitter from the cold and drafts. Oil on copper portraits were relatively popular on the Continent in the late 17th century, with many distinguished painters working in the medium. They were also popular in England, as artistic fashions crossed the Channel when the Duke married Henrietta, sister of King Charles II. More robust than a vellum miniature, less expensive than enamel portraits, oil portraits retained color and allowed the artist to express themselves by painting delicate clothing or lace – as seen here.