Colnaghi to take full length Van Dyck portrait to Frieze Masters

Colnaghi's presentation at Frieze Masters is anchored by Anthony van Dyck’s 'Portrait of a Nobleman, traditionally identified as Paolo Giordano Orsini, Duke of Bracciano', painted around 1627–32. The nearly two-metre canvas demonstrates how decisively Van Dyck transformed full-length portraiture after his return from Italy. The sitter’s illuminated, outstretched hand and a briskly

painted red tablecloth animate the restraint of his black dress. It seems to be the work sold at auction from Meadow Brook Hall, Michigan in the early 1970s. Recent conservation has removed later additions and overpaint, recovering the original proportions and revealing pentimenti in the legs and costume.

We are sure other Frieze Master's highlights will emerge in the coming days.