Flemish School Artist, Pilgrim or Beggar with Red Cloak, 17th Century, Oil on Board, Framed

Details

Description

**Title:**
Flemish School, 17th Century – Pilgrim or Beggar with Red Cloak

**:**
An exceptional antique oil painting on wooden … Read more **Title:**
Flemish School, 17th Century – Pilgrim or Beggar with Red Cloak

**:**
An exceptional antique oil painting on wooden panel from the **Flemish School of the 17th century**, depicting a solitary male figure in profile – a bearded pilgrim or beggar (mendicant/pilgrim). The figure is dressed in a blue-green tunic, with a dramatically draped vivid red cloak over the shoulder that dominates the composition and creates a powerful visual focus. In his extended right hand, he holds a dark hat downward, suggesting a gesture of supplication or melancholic contemplation. The pose is slightly bowed forward, with a dignified and introspective expression.

The background is dark and atmospheric, with clouds or mist, creating the characteristic **chiaroscuro** effect (strong contrast of light and shadow) typical of Baroque Flemish painting. Light falls from the left, illuminating the face, hand, and rich folds of the red cloak, which is rendered with soft, fluid drapery.

The motif recalls variations on the legend of **Saint Martin dividing his cloak with a beggar** – one of the most popular themes in 17th-century Flemish painting (e.g., Anthony van Dyck and his followers) – but without the religious context (no horse, sword, or saint). This is a **secular, simplified genre depiction of a poor pilgrim**, reflecting the Flemish tradition of portraying poverty with dignity.

**Technique and Condition:**
Oil on wooden panel. Visible characteristic **craquelure** (fine network of cracks) that follows the fabric texture and confirms natural aging of the paint over centuries. Brushstrokes are soft and fluid, with gradual transitions of light, without heavy impasto. The painting exhibits the patina of age but is in excellent condition for its period; professional cleaning and stabilization are recommended.

**Dimensions:**
- Painting (sight size, without frame): 25 × 41 cm
- with frame: 47 × 62 cm (older gilded frame with signs of wear, likely 19th century)

**Attribution:**
Flemish School, 17th century, anonymous painter or follower from the circle of **Anthony van Dyck** or the Rubens workshop. The style (dramatic drapery of the red cloak, chiaroscuro, melancholic atmosphere) shows strong influence of Flemish Baroque, particularly variations on the Saint Martin theme (compare with Van Dyck’s versions c. 1618–1621).

Not a work by a major master, but a high-quality **genre painting** from a Flemish workshop or circle, intended for the private market. A rare and atmospheric find with significant decorative appeal.

**Condition:** Excellent antique condition with natural patina; craquelure adds authenticity. Likely professionally restored in the past (painting only). from a private collection.

Provenance:
Formerly in a European private collection; acquired on the Vienna antiques market (Austria). The object has been in Europe for several decades. See less