Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger

Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger (1561-1636) was a Flemish-born artist who became one of the most influential portrait painters in late Elizabethan and early Stuart England. Born in Bruges, he was the son of Marcus Gheeraerts the Elder, a painter and engraver who fled religious persecution in Flanders and settled with his family in England around 1568. This early migration proved pivotal, as young Marcus would go on to leave an indelible mark on the English art scene.

Gheeraerts the Younger is best remembered for revolutionising English portraiture by introducing a more naturalistic and sophisticated style. In contrast to the rigid, decorative approach of his predecessors, Gheeraerts’ works are notable for their attention to realism, use of light, and the careful rendering of textures. He was particularly adept at capturing the subtlety of skin tones, the gleam of jewels, and the delicate embroidery of fabrics, which gave his sitters an immediacy and presence previously unseen in English painting.

His career flourished at the court of Elizabeth I, where he found favour among the nobility and gentry. Perhaps his most iconic work is the famous “Ditchley Portrait” of Queen Elizabeth I, painted around 1592. In this grand and allegorical painting, Elizabeth stands upon a map of England, surrounded by stormy clouds and sunlight, symbolising her role as a guiding force for the nation. The portrait is celebrated not only for its symbolism but also for its meticulous execution, particularly in the rendering of the Queen’s elaborate costume and the detailed landscape.

Gheeraerts’ success continued into the reign of James I, as he became a sought-after portraitist for the Jacobean elite. His clientele included prominent figures such as Sir Henry Unton, Sir Francis Drake, and Lucy, Countess of Bedford. His ability to convey both the status and the personality of his sitters made him a favourite among the aristocracy. Gheeraerts was also known for his full-length portraits, which often placed the subject within a naturalistic landscape, further enhancing the sense of realism.

Despite his success, Gheeraerts’ fortunes waned in the later part of his life, as new artistic influences emerged from the continent. Nevertheless, his impact on English portraiture was profound, paving the way for subsequent artists such as William Larkin and Daniel Mytens. Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger died in 1636, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and elegance. His portraits remain treasured examples of Renaissance artistry, providing an invaluable window into the personalities and fashions of Elizabethan and Jacobean England.