Daniel Schultz
Portrait of John II Casimir Vasa
The effigy is similar to the one on the commemorative medal created on the occasion of the royal wedding (May 30th, 1649). The king's portrait therein was modelled on a print by Willem Hondius from 1649 and signed Daniel Schultz pinxit, Wilhelmus Hondius sculpsit Gedani Anno Don [!] 1649.
The lack of royal insignia determines the date of creation to shortly before royal coronation. Painted swiftly, very freely and smoothly, makes an impression of painted from nature.
The influence of Rembrandt's style and French portraiture are clearly visible in texture with traces of paint brush, study of face and pose. The color, somber hues and the treatment of light and shade in the painting are close to contemporary Dutch painting of which the king was a great admirer.
The sitter psychology is the most important, not disturbed by a rich or exaggerated costume. Simple, chiselled and partially gilt black armor, possibly made in France, is a background to the chain of the Order of Golden Fleece and relatively simple lace collar, not studied in details. The face is the main feature. Former cardinal, who spent 2 years in French prison was elected King of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in November 1648 and crowned on January 19th, 1649 at the age of 40. Although bearing all features of proud ancestors of Habsburg mother, his face seems to be tired, as if expecting difficulties of tormented reign ended with abdication on September 16th, 1668.
The lack of royal insignia determines the date of creation to shortly before royal coronation. Painted swiftly, very freely and smoothly, makes an impression of painted from nature.
The influence of Rembrandt's style and French portraiture are clearly visible in texture with traces of paint brush, study of face and pose. The color, somber hues and the treatment of light and shade in the painting are close to contemporary Dutch painting of which the king was a great admirer.
The sitter psychology is the most important, not disturbed by a rich or exaggerated costume. Simple, chiselled and partially gilt black armor, possibly made in France, is a background to the chain of the Order of Golden Fleece and relatively simple lace collar, not studied in details. The face is the main feature. Former cardinal, who spent 2 years in French prison was elected King of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in November 1648 and crowned on January 19th, 1649 at the age of 40. Although bearing all features of proud ancestors of Habsburg mother, his face seems to be tired, as if expecting difficulties of tormented reign ended with abdication on September 16th, 1668.
oil on canvas, ca. 1649, 79 × 66.5 cm (31.1 × 26.2 in), inventory number ZKW 1175, on permanent display in the so-called Courtier Lodgings, Zamek Królewski w Warszawie (ZKW)
© Marcin Latka
|
|