Portrait of René de Chalon (c. 1519-1544)

About this artwork

…; ? estate inventory, Kasteel Buren, 1675/1712, ‘in the great hall’, with pendant (probably SK-A-4027), nos. 13.5, 13.6 (‘Noch Renée de Chalon met Sijne princesse, beyde in profijl.’);{Drossaers/Lunsingh Scheurleer I, 1974, p. 555.} ? estate inventory, Kasteel Buren, 1759, ‘The large upper hall’, no. 151 (‘Seven schilderije, pourtraiten’);{Drossaers/Lunsingh Scheurleer II, 1974, p. 545.} estate inventory, Stadholder’s Court, The Hague, 1763/64, no. 4 (‘Een portrait met dit opschrift in de lijst...

Art Historical Context

This intimate tondo portrait painted in oil on panel Jan van Scorel after1542, captures René Chalon at age . The Dutch Renaissance master fresh from his Italian travels infused Northern art with Manner elegance—think refined proportions luminous skin tones, and poised profile view, as hinted historical inventories pairing it with his princess consort Measuring just 15 cm diameter, its circular format classical medallions, a medal-like dignity to noble sitter. René Chalon, Prince of and Count of Nassau, a pivotal figure in th-century European nobility, the Houses of Chalon Orange-Nassau. young at 25 in 1544 Battle of. Dizier, he no direct heir, passing titles to cousin William the Silentfounder of the Dutch. This likely posthumous, inscribed with his name age, served as a dynastic emblem. Treas through centuries in Dutch princ collections—from Kasteel Bur’s great hall (167/1712) toholder Willem V’s writing cabinet and the Rijksmuseum since 1885—it underscores portrait’s enduring cultural weight, evoking the fragile splendor of Renaissance aristocracy.

About the Artist

Jan van Scorel · 1495–1562

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