Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Description

Baroque Noble Portrait in Graphite — John VIII, Count of Nassau (After Van Dyck)
A finely executed Old Master–style graphite drawing on paper, depicting John VIII, Count of Nassau, Lord of Cattenell and Beilstein (1583–1638) in ceremonial armour. This cabinet-scale portrait follows the celebrated Van Dyck type, widely circulated through 17th-century engravings, and reinterpreted here by an unknown Continental hand (late 18th–early 19th century) with disciplined academic draftsmanship and a refined tonal range.
Key Details
Title / Subject: John VIII, Count of Nassau, Lord of Cattenell and Beilstein, in Armour
After: Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599–1641)
Engraved prototype: Paulus Pontius after Van Dyck, published by Martinus van den Enden
School / Date: Unknown Old European Master, Continental School, late 18th–early 19th century
Medium: Graphite on paper
Inscription (recto, Latin):
Excellentissimus Dominus Dominus Ioannes, Comes Nassoviae, Dominus Cattenell et Beilstein.
(“The Most Excellent Lord, Sir John, Count of Nassau, Lord of Cattenell and Beilstein.”)
Additional notes: Period pencil annotation verso identifying the sitter, dates (1583–1638) and “after Van Dyck”.
Signed: Unsigned (typical for academically trained “after” drawings of this type)
Description
The sitter is shown half-length, turned slightly toward the viewer with a calm, authoritative gaze. Polished plate armour, a rich lace collar, and a diagonal baton of command construct the classic Baroque language of nobility—rank, lineage, and delegated authority—without theatrical excess.
The drawing rewards close viewing: carefully judged graphite modelling shapes the facial features, while restrained highlights suggest metal sheen and crisp contouring defines armour and lace against a softened ground. The result is a work with state-portrait gravitas in an intimate scale—ideal for collectors and interiors alike.
About John VIII, House of Nassau
John VIII belonged to the influential House of Nassau, a dynasty central to early modern European politics and military power. Portraits of this kind functioned as visual declarations of legitimacy and status—armour signalling inherited martial responsibility, the baton denoting leadership, and the lace collar asserting courtly refinement. This later drawn version preserves that canonical image tradition in a refined, collector-oriented format.
Size
Sheet: 24 cm (H) × 19 cm (W)
Frame: 35 cm (W) × 40.3 cm (H) × 3 cm (D)
Frame
Professionally presented in a Larson Juhl decorative gilt wood frame, with a crisp white mount and a refined gilt inner surround—sympathetic to Baroque gilding yet clean and architectural. Ready to hang.
Provenance
From an album assembled by Winfield S. Robbins, who collected prints and drawings—especially portrait material—while travelling in Europe in the late 19th century. Later acquired from a Maryland (USA) art dealer curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD and exhibited Famous Lord Hill Museum.
Condition
Overall very good for an antique work on paper. Attractive, even age toning consistent with album storage some foxing/staining present. No visible tears or losses observed. The Latin caption remains legible and integral. Professionally mounted and framed.
Why Buy This Piece
After Van Dyck: rooted in the most influential European court-portrait language
Strong decorative impact: armour, lace and baton read instantly on the wall
Collector-friendly scale: perfect for library, study, or salon hang
Connoisseur appeal: canonical prototype, academically trained hand, historic transmission
Timeless presence: quiet gravitas without overpowering a room
Worldwide shipping available — professionally packed and fully insured.
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Registered Office Address

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ

Company Number 15666518
GB VAT registration number 466128775


Making Payment
Goods can be bought by either International bank wire transfer or domestic BACS payment we can email you an invoice together with our banking instructions. Cash upon collection is also accepted. Shipping is with insurance cover. Import duty and taxes payable by the buyer please enquire if you need any assistance. Delivery time is usually within 2 weeks for International and 1 week for domestic shipping approximate. It can be faster depending upon the size and weight of the item(s) that you ordering from us. You are also welcome to arrange for your own courier to collect as long as we have received full cleared bank transfer payment.