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Possibly by Justus Sustermans, 'Portrait of a Man', probably 1649

Key facts
Full title Portrait of a Man
Artist Possibly by Justus Sustermans
Artist dates 1597 - 1681
Date made probably 1649
Medium and support oil on canvas
Dimensions 120 × 93.5 cm
Acquisition credit Bequeathed by W.W. Aston, 1917, with a life interest to his widow; acquired, 1919
Inventory number NG3227
Location Not on display
Collection Main Collection
Portrait of a Man
Possibly by Justus Sustermans
/

The unknown sitter has been described as a Florentine nobleman, but his deep red gown with the wide, plain falling collar and wide lace cuffs suggest that he may have had a position in the government of Genoa, where Sustermans was working in 1649. His gaze is firm and serious, his moustache impressive and his features strong, though bearing the marks of late middle age. The full gown accentuates his imposing posture, while the papers in his right hand suggest an administrative post of some authority. He holds a pair of leather gloves in his other hand.

Justus Sustermans was a much travelled artist. As well as Genoa, he also worked in Vienna, Innsbruck, Rome and other Italian cities painting portraits and figures. In Florence he became court painter to the Grand Dukes of Tuscany.

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