Fabulous portrait.
This masterpiece from the National Gallery in London features a picture which opens my new book.
Constantijn Huygens was a polymath. Secretary to two princes of Orange, diplomat, poet, musician, aficionado of painting, and owned a huge library and engaged in animated written correspondence with great intellectuals, including Descartes and contemporary painters - Pieter Lastman, Jan Lievens, Gerard Gerrit van Honthorst, Anthony van Dyck, Rembrandt etc. A giant during the Dutch Golden Age.
The objects on table - globe/maps, books, quill, papers etc. refer to a broad intellect.
Navigation instruments (?) and exquisite table cloth. So beautiful.
The distant gaze and the general expression of thoughtfulness and contemplation.
His neatly trimmed beard and mustache suggest a refined gentleman.
Those boots caught my eye right away. Riding boots? Did he just get off his horse, come inside, and immediately sat down to write some brilliant thought or another?
ReplyDeleteAmazing. I wouldn't take them off either!
DeleteI agree that 17th century Dutch interiors were always meticulous and beautiful, and retain their special appeal centuries later. So even though I did not remember the name Thomas de Keyser, the connection with Pieter Lastman, Jan Lievens, van Honthorst, Anthony van Dyck and others was immediately clear.
ReplyDeleteInded. Well said.
DeleteEducated, knowledgeable and fine looking man.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating figure—Constantijn Huygens truly embodied the spirit of the Dutch Golden Age, bridging art, science, and intellect in such a remarkable way!
ReplyDeleteHe really does. Thanks roe.
DeleteThat is a good portrait.
ReplyDeleteYep. Thanks Mary.
DeleteAs you say, the various accoutrements suggest someone refined. I wonder why he wears a hat indoors?
ReplyDelete