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Cornelius Jonson (b. 1593)
Portrait of a Gentleman in Three Quarter Profile
Oil on Canvas
76 x 93 cm
(SR1016)
Born in London in 1593. son of Cornelis Jonson of Antwerp who had fled the religious persecutions by the Catholics. The alternative spelling of ‘van Ceulan’ derives from his grandfather Peter Jansen who came from Cologne.
London Period. 1618 – 43.
Jonson’s mentor and inspiration for his technique was Van Dyck, although his approach was more intimate and ‘psychological’ than his master’s. Whereas Van Dyck’s method was flamboyant – he was a pupil of Rubens, Jonson’s technique used oil glazing and finer detailed drawing. His works can always be recognized by this depth of oil layers often with a slight blue hue. With Van Dyck the viewer is impressed by the masterly speed and urgency of the brush – work, while Jonsnon’s portraits demand a slower, more meditative approach. His sitters are not the grand subjects of Van Dyck’s world but come from the less aristocratic middle class society.
The subject of our portrait is typical of this social world: a man who was not privileged but achieved his status in society through his own talents.
Sir John Heath trained as a barrister being called to the Inner Temple in 1634. He became Attorney General, was Duchy of Lancaster from 1661 to 1679, and was Member of Parliament for Clitheroe.
The portrait is painted on oak panel rather than canvas – usual for works of this size – 30 x 24 inches, and is signed and dated 1632. The condition in near perfect: the original glazes survive; the panel is the original size; the ‘venerable’ soft blacks are intact; and there is no sign of retouching.
The frame is a black, ripple, Dutch design – correct for the period.
