Artwork

Portrait of Ladislaus IV, King of Poland

Portrait of Ladislaus IV, King of Poland, by Unknown, oil, 1613
Portrait of Ladislaus IV, King of Poland, by Unknown, oil, 1613

Portrait of Ladislaus IV, King of Poland is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1613 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery. The work is an oil painting portraying a seated male figure in a richly embroidered red coat with a black collar and sash.

About this work

Overview

The work is an oil painting portraying a seated male figure in a richly embroidered red coat with a black collar and sash. He rests his right hand on a table draped in a green cloth, set against a darkened backdrop that emphasizes his attire and facial features.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is identified as Ladislaus IV, King of Poland, presented in regal attire that underscores his authority. The composition’s focus on his posture and clothing conveys a formal, dignified presence appropriate to a royal portrait.

Technique & Style

The artist employs chiaroscuro, contrasting illuminated areas of the figure with a deep, shadowed background to model volume. Fine gold embroidery on the coat and the crisp rendering of textures demonstrate a meticulous approach to surface detail.

History & Provenance

Created as a portrait of the Polish monarch, the painting’s provenance traces through royal collections before entering public holdings. Specific acquisition dates and previous owners are not detailed in the available records.

Context

Portraiture of European monarchs in the early modern period often highlighted status through sumptuous fabrics and controlled lighting. This work aligns with that tradition, reflecting contemporary conventions of royal representation.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Uffizi Gallery

Museum

Uffizi Gallery

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Uffizi Gallery open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.