Workshop Of Joos Van Cleve (1485? – 1540-1541). Portrait Of A Young Man

Workshop of Joos van Cleve (1485? – 1540-1541). Portrait of a young manEarly 16th century, circa 1510Oil on parqueted oak panel**In a magnificent period frame in blackened wood, molded and decorated with checkerboard and wavy frieze.Dimensions with frame: 72 x 64 cm. Panel alone: 39 x 32.8 cmThis very rare Renaissance portrait depicts a young man who, according to an (original) inscription, is identified as Nicolas du Pré de Passy, advisor to the King / master of accounts.He is wearing a black cap and a garnet velvet doublet under a fawn fur jacket. The emerald green background allows the painter to highlight the modeling of the face and the somewhat severe attitude of the character who fully assumes the high functions that the King (François 1er) has entrusted to him, this testifies to a great mastery of his art. (1°) It should be noted that, in the midst of the Renaissance, the taste for portrait galleries was at its peak and works painted on wooden panels were highly sought after. The beautiful residences all have effigies of important figures. A few words about his headgear: The toque refers to a cap with raised edges. It appeared at the end of the 15th century (notably under the name of bonnets rebrassés). The toque is the flagship accessory of the Renaissance. At the beginning of the 16th century, it already had a structured appearance, that is to say that a structure gave it a regular shape. These elements allow us to date this portrait fairly precisely. Joos van Cleve, born Joos van der Beke, is a Flemish painter of the Antwerp school presumed to have come from Cleves or the surrounding area of this German city located on the banks of the Rhine. His date of birth is unknown. He died in 1540 or 1541 in Antwerp. His first recorded activity was as an assistant to Jan Joest van Kalkar (1460-1519) during the creation of a high altar in the church of Saint Nicholas in Kalkar, completed in 1508-1509. He then stayed in Bruges, then settled in Antwerp. He is known for his portraits and religious paintings. He did not hesitate to copy fashionable motifs, such as the Virgin and Child, which sold well. His name appears for the first time in Antwerp in 1511 in the register of the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke, where he is listed as a master. He would be its dean three times, in 1519 (the year of his marriage to Anna Vydts), 1520 and 1525. He had several students, including his son Cornelis van Cleve. Shortly after 1530, he worked for a time for the French court where he produced, among other things, the portrait of Francis I and that of his wife Eleanor of Habsburg. Around 1536 (?) he made one of the King of England, Henry VIII. Note: We have found two other versions of our painting which have been sold at public auction. Our painting has different dimensions and is of much higher quality! This corroborates the information indicated above (1°) Very good condition. Sold with a certificate.