Portrait of a Man, possibly Giovanni Battista Cattaneo Della Volta

Artist: Anthony van Dyck (Belgian, 1599 - 1641)

Original Dimensions: 28 7/8" x 23 7/8"

Location: National Gallery of Art, London

About Artwork: (1621-5) "Anthony van Dyck spent much of his twenties (1621–27) in Italy and in particular Genoa, where wealthy aristocratic merchants were keen to have themselves portrayed in a flattering and engaging manner. Many were full-length portraits of graceful figures who were clearly aware of their status. This is a more modest, half-length portrait, but the sitter still looks at us with a confident, unwavering gaze. An inscription on the letter held by the sitter in his right hand – now barely visible – reads: ‘Gio… Batt…Cattane’. It is the only clue to the identity of the depicted man. Recent genealogical research identifies him as Giovanni Battista Cattaneo Della Volta (1578–1640) of Genoa. This painting and several other portraits by Van Dyck were in the collection of the prominent Genoese Cattaneo family until the early twentieth century, including Portrait of a Woman (also in the National Gallery’s collection). The painting’s condition is compromised, but it displays stylistic qualities that seem to betray the hand of Van Dyck himself." - (National Gallery of Art, London)