Artwork

Portrait of a Man, Possibly Ottavio Farnese (1524–1586), Duke of Parma and Piacenza

Portrait of a Man, Possibly Ottavio Farnese (1524–1586), Duke of Parma and Piacenza is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Antonis Mor. It dates from 1563 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The painting's monumental scale, measuring approximately 209 by 119 centimeters, underscores the subject's high status and authority.

Executed in 1563 by Antonis Mor, this oil-on-canvas portrait depicts Ottavio Farnese (1524–1586), the Duke of Parma and Piacenza. As a formal representation of a specific historical figure, the work functions primarily as a dynastic and political statement, capturing the likeness of a powerful Italian nobleman during the mid-sixteenth century. The painting's monumental scale, measuring approximately 209 by 119 centimeters, underscores the subject's high status and authority.

While the composition adheres to the conventions of aristocratic portraiture of the era to convey dignity and power, the provided records focus on the identification of the sitter rather than detailing specific allegorical attributes or complex symbolic elements within the image. The work stands as a visual record of Farnese's tenure and identity within the European nobility.

Technique & Style

Created in 1563 by Antonis Mor, this portrait is executed in oil paint on a canvas support. The work measures 208.9 cm in height and 118.7 cm in width, classifying it as a large-scale formal portrait. As a product of Mor's mature period, the piece exemplifies the artist's characteristic handling of oil media to render the dignified presence of the sitter, identified as possibly Ottavio Farnese.

The canvas medium allows for the substantial dimensions required for such a significant courtly depiction. While specific conservation reports on surface condition are not detailed in the provided records, the classification as a painting confirms the structural integrity of the oil-on-canvas technique typical of mid-16th-century Flemish portraiture.

History & Provenance

Created in 1563, this oil-on-canvas portrait is attributed to the artist Antonis Mor. The work depicts Ottavio Farnese, who served as the Duke of Parma and Piacenza between 1524 and 1586. While specific details regarding the original commission or the immediate ownership chain following its creation are not provided in the available records, the painting is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The physical dimensions of the canvas measure approximately 208.9 centimeters in height and 118.7 centimeters in width. The date of inception is firmly established as 1563, placing the work within the mid-sixteenth century period of Mor's career.

The portrait is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where it is recorded as accession number 63.217.1. The work was first publicly exhibited at the museum in 1963, shortly after its acquisition, and has remained in the collection since then.

Overview

Antonis Mor, a Netherlandish painter, created this oil portrait in 1563. Titled Portrait of a Man, Possibly Ottavio Farnese, the work likely depicts the Duke of Parma and Piacenza. It exemplifies the formal court portraiture prevalent in mid-16th century Europe, a genre in which Mor specialized.

The painting is currently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcasing the artist's refined Mannerist approach to depicting aristocratic subjects.

Portrait of Philip II of Spain (1527-1598)

Artist & collection

Artist

Antonis Mor

Anthonis Mor, also known as Anthonis Mor van Dashorst and Antonio Moro (c. 1517 – 1577), was a Netherlandish portrait painter, much in demand by the courts of Europe. He has also been referred to as Antoon, Anthonius,…