17th-Century Continental School, Portrait of a Dominican Monk

17th-Century Continental School, Portrait of a Dominican MonkThis 17th century continental oil painting depicts a monk of the Dominican Order. Its remarkable that after 300 years, this portrait of an unknown monk still exists. Its provenance has been lost to time but its plausible that it once hung in a monastery somewhere in continental Europe. Due to its dark nature, the outfit is tricky to decipher but hes possibly wearing a black cloak over a white habit, which could mean that hes part of the Dominican

but intriguingly

But we’re unable to ascertain the creator of this splendid piece as the signature is challenging to decipher

Medium: Oil on canvasOverall size: 25” x 30” / 63cm x 76cmYear of creation: c

Medium: Oil on canvasOverall size: 29½” x 41” / 75cm x 105cmYear of creation: c

In ‘Choice’

a ‘memento mori’ - ‘remember that you must die’

Medium: Oil on canvasOverall size: 59” x 43” / 150cm x 110cmYear of creation: c

Carl Birkso was a pseudonym for Frederik Drews - the son of Kaj Drews who is also known for his fine interior scenes

For comparison in terms of subject and size

And it’s tantalising to consider that she might’ve aided her from within the confines of the Royal household

the popularity of this style of painting grew throughout the continent and this piece is probably French or German

little more than a mere suggestion