17th century Austrian School

17th century Austrian School
"Portrait of Emporer Leopold I of Austria"
Oil on canvas. Circa 1675. 210 x 140 cm.
As Enrique Valdivieso notes in his report: "This is one of the best images of this emperor that we know of. He is depicted dressed in a breastplate, identifying him as a tireless warrior, while he also wears the imperial cloak…".
With regard to the painting´s authorship, Valdivieso continues: "… by an anonymous painter, obviously of very superior quality. There is another portrait of Leopold I which is kept at the Museum of Vienna and was painted by the Flemish artist Benjamin van Blok.”
The lot includes Professor Enrique Valdivieso´s report. We have to point out that, as Austria did not have a permanent School in those times, the portraits of Leopold I were painted by Dutch, Flemish, German and French artists.
This painting is, therefore, of great historical and artistic value, as it is one of the few remaining portraits of Leopold I. Even though it is not possible to pinpoint the artist who painted the portrait, it is clear that he was certainly important.
Report by Professor Enrique Valdivieso González dated 3rd February 2010.