A Member of the Fröschl Family
Hans Mielich·c. 1539/1540
Historical Context
Hans Mielich painted this portrait of a member of the Fröschl family around 1539-40, documenting a member of the Munich patriciate during the reign of Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria. Mielich was the leading painter in Munich before becoming court painter to Albrecht V, producing portraits of remarkable precision that document the appearance and status of Bavarian society. The Fröschl family were prominent citizens of Munich.
Technical Analysis
Mielich's oil on panel demonstrates his extraordinary precision in rendering costume, jewelry, and physiognomic detail. The sharp, linear technique and cool, clear coloring are characteristic of the Munich Renaissance portrait tradition that prioritized accurate documentation of the sitter's appearance and status.
Provenance
John Rushout, 2nd baron Northwick [1769-1859], Thirlestane House, Cheltenham, possibly by the early nineteenth century;[1] (Thirlestane House sale conducted by Phillips, 26 July - 30 August 1859, no. 134, as by Amberger). Alfred Morrison [1821- 1897], London and Fonthill House, Tisbury, Wiltshire, by 1887;[2] by inheritance to his son, Hugh Morrison [d. 1931], Fonthill House, Tisbury, Wiltshire and Islay House, Argyll; by inheritance to his son, John Granville Morrison, 1st baron Margadale, Fonthill House and Islay House; (sale, Christie's, London, 18 April 1980, no. 87). (P. & D. Colnaghi & Co., Ltd., New York, owned jointly with Artemis/David Carritt Limited, London), by 1983; purchased November 1984 by NGA. [1] Timothy Bathurst, who knows the Northwick Collection well, suggested that the paintings were acquired early in the century; see his letter of 30 January 1989 to NGA curator John Hand, in NGA curatorial files. The first published reference found by John Hand is the 1859 auction catalogue. [2] The date of 28 December 1887 occurs on a paper label on the reverse of the panel.
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