Family Portrait in a Landscape
Gonzales Coques
Flemish (1614–1684)
Gonzales Coques developed a portrait style that combined the intimacy of a small-scale painting with the grandeur of court portraiture. Here, this family displays their wealth by posing in a garden setting decorated with ornamental features taken from the artist’s repertoire of stock accessories. The black groom leading a horse does not necessarily represent an actual person, but would have been perceived at the time as an “exotic” status symbol. Artists regularly inserted African youths into portraits even when their sitters did not retain black servants in their households.
how interesting –
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is, pineapple was also a status symbol back then.
LikeLike
What a life back then in the past!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A whole different world for sure.
LikeLike
Just having a portrait painted was a sign of immeasurable wealth, Maverick. Naturally, they were the exceptions to the rule!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true Carolyn, and this was also a recording of their status and position. A wealthy selfie perhaps. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahah…. Yes indeed… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person