Portrait of Carlos Radia
Justus SUSTERMANS
(Flemish, 1597-1681 (active Italy))
Portrait of Carlos Radia
Date1639
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensionsoverall: 26 7/8 x 22 in. (68.3 x 55.9 cm)
ClassificationPAINTINGS
Credit LineSBMA, Gift of M/M Richard Reed Armstrong
Object number1983.9
Subject(s)
- portraits
- men
- boys
Collection
- Old Master
Sub-Collection(s)
- Northern European, Flemish
On View
On viewLabel TextThough Flemish born, Justus or Giusto Sustermans practiced largely in Italy, where he was considered the foremost portraitist, on par with Anthony van Dyck and Peter Paul Rubens. By the time he painted this portrait, he had already enjoyed the steady patronage of the powerful Medici family for more than a dozen years. Highly adaptable, Justus was attracted to the colorists, including the Venetian painter Titian, as well as Rubens, whose influence is evident here in the lush description of fabrics and the humidity of the sitter’s flushed skin and lips. Susterman’s early Flemish training is also on display in the meticulous description of the young man’s elaborate lace collar.
