Artwork
Portrait of a Princess of Jülich, Cleve and Berg
Portrait of a Princess of Jülich, Cleve and Berg is a wood painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Master of Ac Monogram. It dates from 1589 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. Created in 1589, this wood panel portrait depicts a noblewoman from the Jülich, Cleves and Berg territories.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1589, this wood panel portrait depicts a noblewoman from the Jülich, Cleves and Berg territories. She is presented against a dark backdrop, wearing a richly patterned gold‑and‑white striped gown, a white ruffled collar, and a gold crown. A prominent gold necklace with a large pendant adds to the opulent appearance.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is identified as a princess of the united duchies of Jülich, Cleves and Berg, reflecting the political alliances of the late sixteenth‑century German principalities. Her regal attire and crown emphasize her status, while the subdued background focuses attention on her individual presence and the authority she embodies.
Technique & Style
Executed on a wooden panel, the work showcases fine brushwork that renders the textures of fabric, metal, and hair with meticulous detail. The contrast between the luminous gold elements and the deep shadows creates a three‑dimensional effect, characteristic of Northern Renaissance portraiture.
History & Provenance
Attributed to the anonymous Master of Ac Monogram, the portrait entered the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, where it remains on display. The artist’s monogram, though not linked to a known name, is recognized through a consistent stylistic approach across several late‑sixteenth‑century works.
Artist & collection
Queen Anne of Austria, fourth Wife of Philip II
Portrait of Christine of Lorraine, Grand Duchess of Tuscany
Margarita de Austria, reina de España
Erzherzogin Anna (1585-1618), Gemahlin von Kaiser Matthias und Tochter von Erzherzog Ferdinand II., Landesfürst von Tirol; Brustbild
Erzherzogin Eleonore (1582-1620), Kniestück
Margherita Gonzaga (1591–1632), Princess of Mantua
Portrait of Elizabeth of Austria, Wife of King Charles IX of France
Lady with a Fan
Portrait of the Infanta Catalina Michaela of Austria
Infanta Isabel Clara Eugenia
Portrait of 'The Fair Geraldine' (Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Countess of Lincoln, c1528-1590)- Portrait of a princess