Portrait of Justus Sustermans, Flemish Painter to the Grand Duke of Florence

About this sheet

This is an antique engraving of Justus Sustermans (1597-1681), a renowned Flemish Baroque portrait painter born in Antwerp and active primarily at the Medici court in Florence. The engraving shows Sustermans half-length, wearing a richly detailed buttoned robe with a lace collar, with his hair in loose curls, and his right hand resting elegantly. Below the portrait is inscribed:

IVSTVS SVTTERMANS ANTVERPIENSIS PICTOR MAGNI DVCIS FLORENTINI

This Latin inscription identifies him as Justus Sustermans of Antwerp, painter to the Grand Duke of Florence. The engraving is after Anthony van Dyck, noted by the line at bottom left "Ant: van Dyck fecit aqua forti," indicating that van Dyck created the etching in the early to mid-17th century as part of his famous 'Iconography' series, portraying fellow artists and prominent individuals.

This engraving is after Anthony van Dyck’s etched portrait of Justus Sustermans from his Iconography series, originally etched by van Dyck circa 1630–1641.

However, this specific print is not an original van Dyck etching but a later reissue or reprint after his work. The clean Latin typography below suggests it is from one of the 17th-century or early 18th-century reprints by publishers like Martinus van den Enden in Antwerp (during van Dyck’s lifetime or shortly after), or by later publishers such as Jacobus Neeffs, or even from the 18th-century reissues by Henri Bonnart or others in Paris who reproduced the Iconography portraits for collectors.

To summarise:

* Original etching by van Dyck: circa 1630–1641.
* This specific state: likely late 17th century to early 18th century, published within 50–100 years of van Dyck’s death,.

Condition report:
The print is in very good condition with wide margins, light scattered foxing in the margins, and a faint crease at the lower left. The plate impression is strong, with excellent detail and minimal wear to the lines. Edges slightly toned consistent with age.

Framing suggestion:
This engraving would present best in a simple dark wood or ebonised frame with a neutral archival mat to highlight the crisp etching. Due to its historical and artistic significance, conservation-grade UV-protective glass is recommended.