Artwork

Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand of Austria

Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand of Austria, by Jan van den Hoecke, color, 1634
Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand of Austria, by Jan van den Hoecke, color, 1634

Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand of Austria is a color painting by Jan van den Hoecke. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Overview

Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand of Austria is a 1634 portrait painting by Jan van den Hoecke, a Flemish artist who worked under Peter Paul Rubens and later served as a court painter in Vienna and Brussels. The work is now part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand of Austria in formal, militaristic attire, conveying dignity and authority. His neutral expression and slight gaze to the right add depth to the otherwise formal demeanor.

Technique & Style

Van den Hoecke's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the intricately rendered armor, complete with gold accents and a visible red lining. The composition's simplicity—a light background, central figure with symbolic objects (sword and paper)—highlights the subject's stature.

History & Provenance

Created in 1634 during van den Hoecke's period of influence by Rubens, the painting later entered the Kunsthistorisches Museum's collection, where it remains.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jan van den Hoecke

Artist

Jan van den Hoecke

Jan van den Hoecke (baptised on 4 August 1611 – 1651) was a Flemish painter, draughtsman and designer of wall tapestries.