Artifact World Gallery
Get the iOS app

Portrait of a Member of the de Thou Family by http://www.wikidata.org/.well-known/genid/ab4fa9592adac2e4429c00fd2979e7a3

http://www.wikidata.org/.well-known/genid/ab4fa9592adac2e4429c00fd2979e7a3 · 1540-01-01

This striking "Portrait of a Member of the de Thou Family" from 1540 offers a direct window into 16th-century Rome, painted by a Flemish artist whose identity is not fully known. Currently held in a private collection, it’s a powerful example of Renaissance portraiture.

Observe the man's direct gaze and his austere, dark clothing, characteristic of the period's fashion. The artist masterfully uses chiaroscuro, strong contrasts between light and dark, to give his face a sculptural quality and a profound sense of depth.

His social standing is hinted at by the subtle coat of arms, and the inscriptions 'ROMA 1540' and 'MEN. MAR.' (for 'mensis Martius' or 'month of March') precisely date the work. These details transform the painting from a simple portrait into a historical document, capturing a moment in time.

What do you imagine this man's life was like in 1540s Rome?

Details

His dark garment and hat were typical of the era.
His dark garment and hat were typical of the era.
The painter used strong light to sculpt his face.
The painter used strong light to sculpt his face.
Transcript

This man looked out from Rome, in the year 1540. He was a member of the powerful de Thou family. His dark garment and hat were typical of the era. The painter used strong light to sculpt his face. His gaze is direct, engaging with our own time. A precise date, even the month and day, is marked here.