JOHN CLOSTERMAN (!660-1711) - PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN IN A RUSSET SILK ROBE.
Fine and imposing late 17th century English portrait of a wigged gentleman attributed to John Closterman (c.1660- 1711). The handsome sitter is depicted three quarter-length, leaning upon a stone ledge in front of an extensive walled architectural background, with an archway and trees beyond.
At first glance this charming portrait appears typical of its time. Look closer and the sitter (as yet unknown) wears a the hugest, of fashionable and costly wigs. and it tumbles to below his shoulders! Infact the derivation of ‘big wig’ as a term to describe a person of means and importance comes from fashions like this. A finger white stock tied at the neck and a shimmering russet silk robe are further clues that this is indeed an aristocrat or member of the gentry.
Unlike may paintings of the period with their matching power poses and aloof expressions, what really shines from this portrait is the way that the artist has managed to conjure real character. The strength and sensitivity with which the sitters face is painted is of particular note. Yes he is handsome, but he also exudes the kind of a calm and confident air which makes this attractive portrait very easy to accomodate.
JOHN CLOSTERMAN (1660-1711) was born in Osnabruck, the son of an artist. He studied under his father until he moved to Paris in 1679 to work with the portraitist Francois de Troy. In 1681 Closterman arrived in England and began a partnership with established painter John Riley. By 1683 Closterman had established an independent practice; where he became adept at pictures that combined baroque poses . They also had a slight French influence, evidenced in the portrait by the unusual pink and gold colours of the sitters robes. Closterman's clients included some of the leading writers, artists, musicians and physicians of the day, and as his reputation grew he garnered aristocratic patrons, including the Dukes of Somerset and Marlborough. His last documented picture is dated 1704, and he devoted his last years to dealing in Old Master paintings. An exhibition of his work was held by the National Portrait Gallery in 1981 under the title of 'Master of the Baroque Portrait'.
This painting is housed in a later antique ‘lely’ stye frame.
Higher resolution images on request.
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Canvas: 120cm x 90cm. Framed: 130cm x 100cm.
Price: £12000