Portrait of Charles de Levin (?-1592), Lord of Famars, Forimont and Lousart

Welcome, everyone! Before you stands "Portrait of Charles de Levin (?-1592), Lord of Famars, Forimont and Lousart," a captivating painting by Jan van Ravesteyn. Created sometime between 1609 and 1633, this remarkable piece is part of the Stadhouderlijk Hof's collection. nn Notice the intimate scale of the portrait; it measures a mere 24 centimeters wide and 29.7 centimeters high. Despite its small size, the painting powerfully captures the essence of its subject. We see Charles de Levin, depicted from the chest up against a dark, almost black background, which draws our attention directly to him. His light skin contrasts beautifully with his dark hair, neatly combed back from his forehead. His expression is serious, even reserved, yet his features—a prominent nose, dark eyes, and a small, carefully trimmed mustache and goatee—are rendered with exquisite detail. nn Observe the exquisite detail of his attire. He wears a large, intricately pleated white lace collar, a hallmark of 17th-century fashion. Over this, he sports a dark garment, possibly black, subtly adorned with small golden studs or embellishments on the shoulders and chest, hinting at his aristocratic or perhaps military status. The contrast between the bright white collar and the dark clothing is striking. nn The artist masterfully uses light and shadow. The light focuses on Charles de Levin's face, highlighting his features, while shadows add depth and texture to the folds of his collar and the dark areas of his clothing. This technique creates a sense of three-dimensionality and intimacy, drawing the viewer into the portrait. You might even notice a gold inscription, likely an abbreviation of his title or name, adding another layer of historical intrigue. nn This painting is a prime example of 17th-century Dutch portraiture, showcasing the era's emphasis on realism and meticulous attention to detail. It's a small but powerful work, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life of a nobleman from centuries past.