Image scanned/or photographed from transparency and color corrected by Pat Cagney.

Portrait of King Christian II of Denmark (1481-1559)

Artist Master of The Legend of the Magdalene (Flemish, active ca.1485 - ca.1530)

Date1523

MediumOil on panel

DimensionsOverall: 13 x 8 1/4 in. (33 x 21 cm)
Overall, Frame: 21 1/2 x 17 1/4 in. (54.6 x 43.8 cm)

ClassificationsEuropean art

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.2238

Terms

Man
Netherlands

Collections

European Art before 1945

On View

On view

DescriptionThis is an oil on panel painting of a man. Turned slightly to the left, the bearded man wears a hat with a brooch on it. His outfit is an elaborate red jacket with diamond cuts in the breast and a large brown overcoat. Seen in the bottom left corner, he holds cream-colored gloves in his hands, which are adorned with rings.

Label TextMaster of the Legend of the Magdalene Flemish, ca. 1485–1530 Portrait of King Christian II of Denmark (1481-155), 1523 Oil on wood Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.2238 Why is nobody smiling? Because portraits were serious business in the Middle Ages. Christians saw excessive emotion as a reflection of poor moral balance and a flawed character. Instead, they wanted to project a noble sense of calm. A serene composure was understood to mirror virtue, or good moral character, and the abiding strength of faith. The rich attire and settings of these sitters remind us that only the wealthy and powerful could afford to have their portraits painted. Such material prosperity itself served as further proof of the sitter’s virtue. Christians believed riches came as a natural reward to those who led a life according to faith.