Studio of Martin van Meytens the Younger

This stately portrait of an 18th century nobleman conveys wealth through the striking red justacourps with gold thread embroidery, delicate lace collar and the inclusion of books indicating his status as a learned individual. The composition is anchored by the sitter whose pose and figure create a distinct diagonal emblematic of a Meytens portrait.

Martin van Meytens the Younger (1695-1770) established himself as a portrait painter in Vienna and the surrounding area. By the mid-1730s, he was in high demand and required a large studio to assist with executing the large volume of the commissions. For this reason, most portraits associated with the artist are difficult, if not impossible, to separate between the master and his workshop. The superior quality and execution of the face in this portrait indicate the probable involvement of the artist.

We are grateful to Dr. Lilian Ruhe for endorsing the attribution to Studio of Meytens, upon inspection of digital photographs, and for her help in the cataloguing of this lot.