Artwork

Portret van Henricus Josephus van Susteren, bisschop van Brugge

Portret van Henricus Josephus van Susteren, bisschop van Brugge is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Matthias de Visch. It dates from 1740 and is held in the collection of the Groeningemuseum.

About this work

Overview

Portret van Henricus Josephus van Susteren, bisschop van Brugge is an oil painting created by Matthias de Visch in 1740, portraying Hendrik-Jozef van Susteren, the Bishop of Bruges, in a Rococo-style portrait.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Hendrik-Jozef van Susteren, is depicted with attributes denoting his ecclesiastical rank and wealth: a white fur-trimmed coat, a red ribbon, a large gold cross, and a black book, conveying his status as Bishop of Bruges.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint, the portrait adheres to 18th-century European portraiture conventions, characterized by meticulous detail and a solemn demeanor, aligning with the Rococo style's emphasis on elegance and refinement.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the Groeningemuseum's collection, though its history prior to acquisition is not detailed here.

Context

Created during the Rococo period, the work reflects the artistic tastes of 18th-century Europe, where portraiture served as a means to display the subject's social and religious stature.