Francesco d'Este

Francesco d'Este (born about 1429, died after July 20, 1486)

Francesco d'Este (born about 1429, died after July 20, 1486)

Artist:Rogier van der Weyden (Netherlandish, Tournai ca. 1399–1464 Brussels)
Date:ca. 1460
Medium:Oil on wood
Dimensions:Overall 12 1/2 x 8 3/4 in. (31.8 x 22.2 cm): painted surface, each side 11 3/4 x 8 in. (29.8 x 20.3 cm)
Classification:Paintings
Credit Line:The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931

The son of Leonello d'Este, ruler of Ferrara, Francesco received his education at the court of Philip the Good, duke of Burgundy. The hammer and ring may be jousting prizes or symbols of power, and the unusual white background could refer to the Este family’s livery colors (white, red, and green). Rogier van der Weyden was one of the most influential painters of the fifteenth century. The elegant, stylized lines of the sitter’s face and hands are among the qualities that established Rogier’s supremacy as a court portraitist in the Netherlands.

Reverse:

The Este family coat of arms and crest on the reverse of the panel emphasize the heraldic quality of the portrait. The inscription, "v[ot]re tout…francisque" (entirely yours, Francesco), forms a dedication to the portrait’s recipient, perhaps a friend or member of Philip the Good’s court. The "m" and "e" stand for "marchio estensis," the title extended to Francesco. The enigmatic scratched inscription in the upper left, "non plus / courcelles," may refer to the village in Burgundy where Francesco died.


Provenance

private collection or art market, Modena (until 1800; sold to Northwick); John Rushout, 2nd Lord Northwick, Harrow Park, Harrow-on-the-Hill (1800–23; his sale, Denew, Harrow Park, September 24, 1823, no. 16, "A very ancient small Portrait on panel, on the reverse side are the Arms of France quartered with the Eagle of the Family of Este, purchased at Modena in 1800," for 12 s.); J. Taylor (until 1828; his sale, June 23–28, 1828, Phillips, London, same description as in Northwick sale cat., 11 1/4 x 8 in., for £ 4.16, to Messman); Daniel Mesman (from 1828); Sir Audley Neeld, Grittleton House, Wiltshire (until 1909; as "Portrait of Leonello d'Este," sold to Douglas); [R. Langton Douglas, London, 1909]; [Colnaghi, London, 1910; sold to Speyer]; Sir Edgar Speyer, London and New York (1911–16; sold to Kleinberger); [Kleinberger, New York, 1916–18; sold for $80,000 to Friedsam]; Michael Friedsam, New York (1918–d. 1931)

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