Follower of Justus Sutersmans; 19th century

Follower of JUSTUS SUSTERMANS (Antwerp, 1597- Florence, 1681); 19th century.
"Portrait of Prince Waldemar Christian of Denmark".
Oil on canvas. Relined old.
Measurements: 61 x 41 cm; 71 x 51 cm (frame).
This 19th century painting follows the model of the original work by Justus Sustermans representing Prince Waldemar Christian of Denmark. The piece maintains the spirit and majesty of 17th century Baroque portraiture. In the painting, the prince is depicted with distinguished bearing, dressed in rich clothing that highlights his noble status. His pose conveys confidence and pride, with a fixed gaze that reflects his character and position within the European court of the time. The meticulous execution of the details in the costumes, the lace and the sheen of the fabrics demonstrate the technical mastery of the copyist, who faithfully follows Sustermans' style, characterized by meticulous realism and a rich and harmonious chromatic palette.
Justus Sustermans, a Flemish painter based in Italy, was one of the most important portraitists of his time, working in the service of the Medici court in Florence. His influence on court portraiture was remarkable, as he fused the Flemish tradition of detail with the grandeur and theatricality of the Italian Baroque. His style left a profound mark on European portrait painting, inspiring both contemporary artists and later generations, including the 19th century, when historicism led to the reproduction and reinterpretation of masterpieces from the past.
This copy, in addition to serving as a testimony of the admiration for Sustermans' art, reflects the nineteenth-century interest in recovering and preserving the image of historical figures through pictorial reproduction. Thus, the portrait of Waldemar Christian of Denmark, in its 19th century version, not only preserves the memory of the prince, but also underlines the endurance of the Baroque visual language in the history of European art.