Attributed to Joos van Cleve

Portrait of a Man

Probably Antwerp, 1530s

Oil on wood

59.8 x 50.2 cm

The identity of this man has been lost, though he could have been a scholar – the ring on his right hand is set with what may be a classical intaglio gem. The portrait probably originally formed a pair, with an image of his wife to the right. The man holds a sprig of flowers comprising field gentian, box, rosemary and possibly wild pansy. These can symbolise integrity, consistency, love, and thoughtfulness, respectively, appropriate for a marriage portrait. Similarly, while the ‘fig’ gesture (mano fica) he makes with his left hand had many possible meanings, these included ‘wishing good luck and fertility’.

Purchased 1946 (No.46.6)