Conrad Faber von Kreuznach, German, c.1500-c.1553
Title: Portrait of Heinrich Knoblauch
Date: 1529
Medium: Oil on limewood panel
Dimensions:
50 x 38 cm
Signed: on verso, inside roundel: MCCCCCXXIX [in monogram]
Credit Line: Purchased, 1885
Object Number: NGI.243
ProvenanceHamilton Palace collection, no. 54; Hamilton Palace sale, Christie's, London, 17 June 1882, lot 88, bt. Christopher Beckett Denison; his sale, Christie's, London, 13 June 1885, lot 916, where purchased
Exhibition HistoryExhibition of Early German Art, Burlington Fine Arts Club, London, 1906
Centenary Exhibition, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, October - December 1964
Centenary Exhibition, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, October - December 1964
Label TextThe German painter Faber is known for his finely painted portraits of prominent citizens from Frankfurt. An inscription on the back of this panel informs us that Heinrich Knoblauch was 25 years old when he was portrayed. His sister Katherina is seen in the painting on the right, which, despite its obvious similarities, is not a companion piece. Heinrich’s occupation is unknown, but his stylish outfit suggests that he was a wealthy burgher who rarely needed to use the hilt of the sword held in his hands. Contemporary German portraits frequently feature mountainous river landscapes in the background.