Early 17th Century Oil On Copper Portrait Of A Gentleman (c.1610)

Portrait of a gentleman in a white doublet and ruff Oil on copper Oval, 8.5 x 7 cm Framed: 17 cm x 15 cm Provenance Auction, Christie's, South Kensington, February 20, 1997, lot 182; With Rafael Valls Ltd., London, 1999; Private collection, Netherlands. The attractive model is depicted in bust in the oval. It features a sumptuous embroidered doublet made from a silver/white satin fabric. It is lined, stiffened and shaped to mold the model's body and cut away to reveal the crimson lining underneath. The most expensive element of this gentleman's outfit is its sumptuous face-framing collar. Its plain fabric is decorated with needlework. It represents a true wealth of fabric, folded and gathered in order to display the face (and face value) of the wearer – for the greatest benefit. The model wears attire that would have suited her economic status, in order to impress her contemporaries as well as posterity. He also sports a fashionable love lock, a lock of hair hanging from the nape of his neck to his chest to show his romantic attachment. Indeed, this miniature itself could have been a token of esteem given and held close by a lover or confidant.