The Marchesa’s Majesty – After Anthony van Dyck | Portrait of Elena Grimaldi Cattaneo 👑

"The Marchesa’s Majesty" – After Anthony van Dyck | Portrait of Elena Grimaldi Cattaneo 👑

Step into the world of Baroque elegance with this superb late Victorian (circa 1900) oil on canvas, capturing the commanding presence of Marchesa Elena Grimaldi Cattaneo, one of Genoa’s most illustrious noblewomen of the early 17th century.

This distinguished portrait is based on the celebrated original by Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599–1641) — the Flemish master whose work redefined noble portraiture. Here, Van Dyck’s trademark blend of grandeur and human warmth is faithfully preserved, offering you the rare opportunity to own an artwork steeped in aristocratic refinement and historical gravitas.

🎨 The Subject & Her Story

Born into the powerful Grimaldi dynasty, Elena’s life was interwoven with the politics, trade, and wealth of Genoa’s golden age. Her marriage to Marchese Nicola Cattaneo united two of the city’s most influential houses, making her a symbol of dynastic pride, loyalty, and cultivated grace.

This portrait is not merely a likeness — it’s a visual proclamation of her family’s power, her own intellectual poise, and her enduring role as the ideal Genoese matriarch.

🖌 Composition & Technique

Against a rich, dark backdrop, Elena’s porcelain-toned complexion glows with an ethereal light — a Van Dyck hallmark. Her serene, confident gaze meets the viewer, while every detail of her attire speaks of wealth and status:

• Gown: Black velvet, exuding aristocratic restraint and dignity.

• Jewellery: A lustrous rope of pearls cascading over the bodice, highlighted with meticulous brushwork.

• Collar: A superbly rendered lace ruff, delicate yet commanding.

• Accent: A vivid flower in her auburn hair — a burst of life and colour amid the somber elegance.

The artist’s skill is evident in the seamless blending of flesh tones, the crisp rendering of lace, and the restrained, sophisticated palette of blacks, creams, and a singular floral red.

📜 About the Master

Sir Anthony van Dyck, trained under Peter Paul Rubens, became one of the most sought-after portraitists in Europe. His portraits of Genoese nobility combined Titian’s majesty with an intimacy that gave his sitters a living presence — a style so admired that artists continued to recreate his works centuries later.

📏 Framed Dimensions

79.5 cm H × 67 cm W × 3 cm D

🏛 Provenance

From a private collection; notable southern auction; exhibited at a Midlands museum; curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.

💖 Why This Piece Belongs in Your Collection

✅ Baroque Splendour at Your Fingertips – Own a faithful rendition of a Van Dyck masterpiece.
✅ Decorative Impact – A statement piece that transforms any room.
✅ Historic Prestige – Brings the legacy of a real 17th-century noblewoman into your home.
✅ Collector’s Value – Blends art historical significance with decorative appeal.

🛠 Condition

Good overall for its age. Relined canvas with gentle craquelure, minor retouching visible under UV. Professionally cleaned, presented in an ornate later gilt frame with light wear — ready to hang and admire.

🌍 Worldwide Shipping Available
Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe international delivery.

🖼️ Available exclusively through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

📩 Inquire now to secure this piece