Artwork
Portrait of a Knight of Malta
Portrait of a Knight of Malta is an oil painting. It dates from 1566 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The composition follows conventional portraiture of the period, presenting the subject in a dignified manner that conveys authority and honor.
The painting depicts a male sitter identified as a knight, specifically a member of the Order of Malta, as indicated by the work’s title and classification as a portrait of a knight. Rendered in oil on canvas in 1566, the portrait functions as a visual record of the sitter’s status and affiliation within the order, emphasizing his role as a distinguished military‑religious figure. The composition follows conventional portraiture of the period, presenting the subject in a dignified manner that conveys authority and honor.
The artwork is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains part of the institution’s collection of European paintings.
Technique & Style
Executed in 1566, this portrait is an oil painting on canvas. The work measures 88.9 cm in height by 66.7 cm in width. Attributed to Mirabello Cavalori, the piece depicts a male figure identified as a knight.
The composition adheres to the conventions of portraiture from the mid-sixteenth century, utilizing oil paint as the primary medium to render the subject on a flexible textile support. While specific details regarding the artist's brushwork, the current state of preservation, or underlying preparatory layers are not explicitly detailed in the available records, the fundamental material construction is established as oil on canvas.
History & Provenance
The Portrait of a Knight of Malta, attributed to Mirabello Cavalori, was created in 1566 according to Wikidata records. The work is executed in oil paint on canvas, measuring 88.9 by 66.7 centimeters. It is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
No further details regarding the original commission, intermediate ownership, or acquisition history are documented in the available sources.
Overview
This oil painting, titled Portrait of a Knight of Malta, depicts a man in solemn attire against a dark, unadorned background. The subject, likely a member of the Knights of Malta, is presented with a serious expression, his gaze direct. His dark clothing contrasts with a prominent white collar adorned with a distinctive star, drawing attention to his affiliation and status.
Artist & collection
