Black Robes Collection

Flemish Characters, pub. 1822 (hand coloured engraving)
2962491 Flemish Characters, pub. 1822 (hand coloured engraving) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; English, out of copyright

Philip IV, King of Spain, c. 1624 (oil on canvas)
3493032 Philip IV, King of Spain, c.1624 (oil on canvas) by Velazquez, Diego Rodriguez de Silva y (1599-1660); 200x102.9 cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Portrait of John Pym (oil on copper)
HFA393550 Portrait of John Pym (oil on copper) by Bower, Edward (fl.1929-67) (follower of); 21x16.5 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: Pym (1584-1643), English parliamentarian

The Musician (oil on canvas)
TW426621 The Musician (oil on canvas) by Moroni, Giovanni-Battista (c.1525-78) (school of); 95.1x75.7 cm; Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, UK; eTyne & Wear Archives & Museums; Italian

British Poet Dame Edith Louisa Sitwell seen here with her book Fanfare for Elizabeth at a press reception given in her honour. November 1952 watscan - - 12/01/2010

British Poet Dame Edith Louisa Sitwell seen here at a press reception given in her honour. November 1952 watscan - - 12/01/2010

Philip IV at prayer, c. 1655 (oil on canvas)
3247718 Philip IV at prayer, c.1655 (oil on canvas) by Velazquez, Diego Rodriguez de Silva (1599-1660) (studio of); 209x147 cm; Prado, Madrid

Portrait of J. B Francois, Count of the Michodiere, Provost of the Merchants
XIR905690 Portrait of J.B Francois, Count of the MichodiAšre, Provost of the Merchants from 1772 to 1778 by Duplessis, Joseph Siffred (1725-1802); Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee Carnavalet

Portrait of Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553) 1550 (oil)
XAL886346 Self-Portrait, 1550 (oil on wood) by Cranach, Lucas, the Elder (1472-1553); Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy; (add.info.: Autoportrait ); German, out of copyright

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"Black Robes: A Glimpse into the Enigmatic World of Flemish Characters and Historical Portraits" Step back in time to 1822 with a hand-coloured engraving titled "Flemish Characters, " where black robes dominate the scene, evoking an air of mystery. These figures, shrouded in darkness, seem to hold secrets within their folds. In another captivating portrait from c. 1550-60, Theodore Beza stands proudly in his black robe painted meticulously on panel. The intensity in his gaze hints at the weighty responsibilities he carries as a scholar and theologian. Travel further through history to witness a burial procession captured beautifully on f. 79v of the Book of Hours of Louis d', adorned with intricate details and draped mourners wearing solemn black robes. This glimpse into medieval funeral customs reminds us of our mortality. Philip IV, King of Spain, immortalized on canvas around 1624, exudes power and authority while donning an opulent black robe fit for royalty. His regal presence commands attention as he navigates the complexities of ruling over vast territories. The degradation of Jan Hus depicted in Chronik des Konstanzer Konzils unveils a darker side beneath those ominous black robes worn by religious authorities during tumultuous times. This chilling scene serves as a reminder that even those who appear righteous can be capable of great injustice. Shifting gears to more contemporary portraits, John Pym's oil-on-copper depiction captures him clad in a dignified black robe—a symbol not only representing his status but also reflecting his unwavering commitment to political causes during turbulent times. In contrast, "The Musician" portrayed against an ebony background showcases how music transcends boundaries imposed by clothing choices; here we see that talent knows no color or attire limitations. A gentleman from 1543 gazes confidently from behind his elegantly embroidered gloves while dressed impeccably in a black robe.