Artwork

Portrait of Pompeius Occo

Portrait of Pompeius Occo, by Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen, oil, 1515
Portrait of Pompeius Occo, by Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen, oil, 1515

Portrait of Pompeius Occo is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen. It dates from 1515 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.

About this work

Overview

The Portrait of Pompeius Occo is a 1515 oil painting by Jacob Cornelisz. van Oostsanen, a prominent artist in early 16th-century Amsterdam.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts two figures: Pompeius Occo, a contemporary individual, and Saint Sebastian. The inclusion of both a portrait and a religious figure blends different artistic traditions. The Latin inscription at the bottom, 'Adi[s] is ivn[i]', is incomplete and its meaning remains unclear.

Technique & Style

The work showcases rich colors and intricate patterns in the subjects' clothing, demonstrating the artist's skill. The use of oil paint allows for detailed rendering of textures and garments.

History & Provenance

Created during the Northern Renaissance, the painting is now held in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp. It is an example of van Oostsanen's contribution to Amsterdam's artistic growth during a period of city development.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen

Artist

Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen

Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen (before 1470 – 1533) was a Northern Netherlandish designer of woodcuts and painter.