Gaspard De Crayer (1588-1669), Workshop Of - Portrait Of A Bishop - Xl

- Oil on canvas. Original canvas.- A magnificent portrait of a bishop imbued with all the dignity that the then-prevailing Counter-Reformation Catholicism assigned to its leaders. The psychology of the figure, condensed into a truthful portrait, directly inspired by Dutch tradition, contrasts with the richness and splendor of the ornamentation befitting the figure's elevated position in the Flemish church hierarchy: the impressive golden chasuble, with exquisite vegetable brocades and tapestries depicting passages from sacred history, and the rotund crosier, a marvel of goldsmithing, somewhat steal the spotlight from the cleric's personality.- The photo gallery includes a reproduction of a similar painting, auctioned by Bernaerts of Antwerp in 2013 as attributed to de Crayer. Gaspard de Crayer (1584-1669) was one of the most prominent Flemish painters of the 17th century. Born in Antwerp and active primarily in Brussels, he developed a body of work marked by Baroque splendor. Although never a direct disciple of Rubens, his style absorbed the master's compositional grandeur and monumental sense. At the same time, he was able to incorporate Van Dyck's refined elegance and portraiture. For this reason, he is considered a necessary link between the two, capable of synthesizing Rubensian dramatic power with Van Dyck's courtly grace. His output, focused on religious painting and portraiture, was widely disseminated in Flanders and beyond, consolidating his position as an indispensable bridge in the evolution of the 17th-century Flemish school. Unframed image dimensions: 101 x 147 cm / 117 x 164 cm with an elegant custom-made antique oak frame, probably from the early 18th century. This sheet is sent digitally upon request.