Artwork

Portrait of Mattias de' Medici

Portrait of Mattias de' Medici, by Justus Sustermans, oil, 1627
Portrait of Mattias de' Medici, by Justus Sustermans, oil, 1627

Portrait of Mattias de' Medici is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Justus Sustermans. It dates from 1627 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Executed by Justus Sustermans in 1627, the work belongs to the portrait genre and depicts the sitter in oil on canvas, with the composition measuring 55.

The painting portrays Mattias de' Medici, a member of the Medici family, as its sole subject. Executed by Justus Sustermans in 1627, the work belongs to the portrait genre and depicts the sitter in oil on canvas, with the composition measuring 55.5 by 54 centimetres. The portrait is held in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, where Mattias de' Medici is recorded as the main subject of the work.

As a dynastic likeness, the portrait functions as a representative image of a Medici family member, situating the subject within the visual tradition of princely and aristocratic portraiture cultivated at the Tuscan court. Sustermans, who served as court painter to the Medici, produced such portraits to commemorate and project the status of the family, and this canvas belongs to that body of commemorative imagery. The work is held today at Schloss Ambras Innsbruck, part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum's collections.

Technique & Style

Executed in 1627 by Justus Sustermans, this portrait utilizes oil paint applied to a canvas support. The work measures 55.5 cm in height and 54 cm in width. As a formal portrait, the composition focuses entirely on the depiction of Mattias de' Medici.

The piece is classified within the genre of portraiture and is currently held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

History & Provenance

The Portrait of Mattias de' Medici was created by the Flemish artist Justus Sustermans in 1627. Executed in oil on canvas, the work measures 55.5 cm in height and 54 cm in width. It depicts Mattias de' Medici and is currently held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.

The painting is also associated with the Schloss Ambras in Innsbruck, indicating a historical connection to that location within its ownership chain.

The Portrait of Mattias de' Medici is held within the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. While the painting is currently associated with this institution, historical records also link the work to Schloss Ambras in Innsbruck. The source material does not provide a specific inventory or accession number for the piece.

Overview

Justus Sustermans painted this portrait of Mattia de’ Medici in 1627, employing oil on canvas. The work presents the young Medici in a dark, unadorned backdrop that emphasizes his features. It is part of the early Baroque period in Italy and currently resides in the Kunsthistorisches Museum’s collection.

Portrait of Cardinal Leopoldo de' Medici
Portrait of Cardinal Leopoldo de' Medici, Giovanni Battista Gaulli

Artist & collection

Portrait of Justus Sustermans

Artist

Justus Sustermans

Justus Sustermans, Joost Sustermans or Suttermans, his given name Italianised to Giusto (28 September 1597 – 23 April 1681), was a Flemish painter and draughtsman who is mainly known for his portraits.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of Mattias de' Medici?

Portrait of Mattias de' Medici was painted by Justus Sustermans in 1627.

Where can I see Portrait of Mattias de' Medici?

Portrait of Mattias de' Medici is held by Kunsthistorisches Museum.

What movement is Portrait of Mattias de' Medici?

Portrait of Mattias de' Medici is associated with Early Baroque Italian.