Johan Van Diest (1695–1757) - Portrait Of Father Roberto, General Of The Carmelites In Brussels

- Oil on canvas. Lined fabric. - This magnificent portrait of a venerable member of the hierarchy of the Discalced Carmelites of Brussels is a rarity because it contains, in addition to considerable documentary information on the character depicted, the signature of the artist, the Anglo-Dutch painter Johan van Diest, well known for his superb portraits of the British aristocracy of the first half of the 18th century. Contextually, Austrian Belgium must be understood as a true paradise for Catholic orders in the 18th century, fueled by Protestant animosity in Germany and France. Until the dissolution of the religious orders by order of Emperor Joseph, Brussels was one of the great centers of Catholic propaganda in Northern Europe, and our character, Robert, provost general of the Discalced Carmelites, probably of Italian origin, occupied a special place in the religious panorama of the city. - Dimensions of the unframed painting: 80 x 100 cm / 100 x 120 cm with magnificent baroque-style frame.