Portrait of Ferdinand II de' Medici (1610-1670), Justus Sustermans

Grand Duke of Tuscany, in armour. Oil on Canvas. Excellent Condition. 74.5" x 54.5 " Framed.

The son of Cosimo II and his wife, Maria Maddalena of Austria, Ferdinando II was born in Florence on 14 July 1610. His father's early death in 1621 marked the start of a long regency that lasted until he was able to assume complete control of Tuscany at age 18. Multiple versions of this type exist, the closest of which appears to be the three-quarter-length portrait in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (no. 45.128.13).

Justus Sustermans, renowned as the official court painter for the Medici family in Florence during the 17th century, played a pivotal role in capturing the essence and grandeur of the Medici dynasty. Serving under both Grand Duke Cosimo II de' Medici and his successor, Grand Duke Ferdinando II de' Medici, Sustermans produced an extensive body of work, primarily comprising portraits that showcased the wealth, power, and regal splendor of the Medici rulers. His artistic prowess and meticulous attention to detail earned him the reputation as the preeminent portrait artist of his time in Italy. Sustermans' masterful use of color, composition, and expression not only depicted the Medici family members with elegance but also contributed significantly to the visual legacy of one of the most influential families in Italian history.

Provenance

with F. Kleinberger, Paris, by 1911; American Art Association, New York, 23 January 1918, lot 76, as 'JUSTUS SUSTERMANS' to the following.
with Scott and Fowles, New York.
with M. Knoedler & Co., New York; Christie's, London, 26 July 1935, lot 74, as 'J. SUSTERMANS'.
Jules Forges, Paris, from whose estate sold through Pier Nesi, United States of America, in April 1954 to the following.
Private collection, Venezuela, where acquired by the present owner.
Property from a Private South American Collection

Literature

A.J. Wauters, 'Le Siècle de Rubens et l'Exposition d'Art ancien, Revue de Belgique, August 1910, p. 314.

P. Bautier, 'On a lost portrait by Justus Suttermans', The Burlington Magazine, July 1911, pp. 234-239, pl. A, as Justus Suttermans.
P. Bautier, Juste Suttermans: Peintre des Me´dicis, Brussels, 1912, p. 20, as Justus Suttermans.
K. Langedijk, The Portraits of the Medici: 15th-18th Centuries, I, Florence, 1981, p. 186; II, Florence, 1981, p. 789, no. 38 and 41.
ExhibitedBrussels, Exposition Trécentenaire, no. 431 (according to the 1918 sale catalogue; possibly identical with the following).
Brussels, Exposition d'Art Ancien: L'Art Belge au XVIIe Siècle, June-November 1910, no. 445, as 'Portrait d'un prince de la Maison de Savoie', as Justus Suttermans.
Paris, Palais du Domaine de Bagatelle, Les modes, A travers trois Siècles, 15 May-15 July 1911, no. 149, as Justus Suttermans.