European

Justus Suttermans

Flanders 1597-1681
Portrait of a Spanish Lady 25.0252

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Sustermans' court portraits tend to be formal and restrained. This three-quarter likeness presents an elegantly dressed woman holding a book, a sign of her wealth, privilege, and learning. Born in Antwerp, Sustermans enrolled in 1604 as a pupil in the Guild of St. Luke (the painting guild) with Anthony van Dyck and Frans Snyders. After further study in Paris, he spent most of his career abroad, painting portraits in the service of Spanish and Italian nobles. Sustermans served as successive court painter to Cosimo II, Ferdinand II, and Cosimo III de'Medici in Italy, where he was known as Giusto Fiamengo (Justus the Fleming). He also worked and lived at courts throughout central Europe, painting for Emperor Ferdinand II in Vienna, and Pope Urban VII in Rome.

 

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