portrait of marchesa elena grimaldi cattaneo — after anthony van dyck

Portrait of Marchesa Elena Grimaldi Cattaneo — After Anthony van Dyck
Late Victorian Oil on Canvas, c.1900
Subject & Medium
A fine late Victorian oil on canvas, circa 1900, depicting Marchesa Elena Grimaldi Cattaneo — one of Genoa’s most prominent noblewomen of the early 17th century. Executed after the celebrated composition by Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599–1641), the painting captures the same elegance and commanding presence that made the original a masterpiece of Baroque portraiture.
Elena Grimaldi was born into the Grimaldi family, one of Genoa’s most powerful dynasties with deep connections to Mediterranean trade, finance, and politics. Her marriage to Marchese Nicola Cattaneo united two of the city’s wealthiest houses. In her own time, she was admired as the epitome of the Genoese noble matriarch — refined, educated, and a symbol of dynastic pride. Portraits such as this were not mere likenesses but declarations of status and power.
Composition & Technique
The Marchesa is presented against a dark, velvety backdrop, her fair skin glowing with an ethereal luminosity — a hallmark of Van Dyck’s style. She gazes outward with quiet assurance, her expression one of composed confidence.
Details of her attire convey wealth and rank:
Gown: Black velvet, signifying aristocratic dignity.
Jewellery: A cascading rope of pearls, each carefully highlighted.
Collar: A finely starched lace ruff, painted with precision to capture its delicate texture.
Accessory: A bright flower in her auburn hair, a subtle yet vivid accent against the sombre palette.
The artist’s technique combines smooth blending in the flesh tones with sharper, more textured strokes in the lace and jewellery. The restrained palette of blacks, creams, and a single red accent creates refinement and contrast. The overall style reflects Van Dyck’s Italian-period genius: grandeur infused with warmth, elevating the sitter while preserving individuality.
Signed
Unsigned, as expected for later works after Van Dyck.
About Anthony van Dyck
Anthony van Dyck (1599–1641), the Flemish master and pupil of Peter Paul Rubens, was among the most influential portrait painters of the 17th century. During his Italian period from 1621, he was embraced by Genoa’s aristocracy, who commissioned portraits that combined Titianesque elegance with a new psychological depth. His influence was profound, and copies and adaptations of his works — like the present portrait — continued to be made centuries later.
Dimensions (Framed)
79.5 cm high × 67 cm wide × 3 cm deep
Provenance
Private collection
Notable southern auction
Exhibited at a Middle Shire museum
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Why Collectors Will Value It
Baroque grandeur reinterpreted: Experience the refinement and presence of Van Dyck’s masterpiece at a fraction of the cost of the original.
Historical resonance: A portrait of a real 17th-century noblewoman, celebrated in her time and immortalised in art.
Decorative presence: A commanding, atmospheric painting that enhances any interior.
Collector’s appeal: A significant example of the enduring legacy of Van Dyck’s portraiture.
Condition
Good overall for its age. The canvas has been relined, with gentle craquelure consistent with period works; minor retouching visible under UV. Colours remain rich and luminous. The surface has been professionally cleaned. Presented in an ornate later gilt frame with some wear and minor losses, ready for immediate display.
Shipping
Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packaged and fully insured for secure international delivery.
Acquire a timeless portrait that unites Van Dyck’s enduring influence with late Victorian craftsmanship — a striking blend of history, elegance, and decorative splendour.

Antiques.co.uk Ref: H4HFFAJEW

Materials:

Oil on canvas

Width (cm):

67

Height (cm):

79.5

Depth (cm):

3

Please note that this price may NOT include delivery charges which the seller may charge extra for.

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