Portrait of an African Man (Christophle le More?)

Jan Jansz Mostaert (c. 1474–1552), Mechelen, c. 1525–1530, oil on panel

This is the only known portrait of a black man in early European painting. He may have served at the Brussels court of Emperor Charles V, who had a black archer called Christophle le More among his bodyguards. The badge of the Virgin on his cap is a souvenir of a pilgrimage to Halle (Brabant), a favourite destination of pilgrims from the Brussels court.

  • Artwork typepainting
  • Object numberSK-A-4986
  • Dimensionsheight 30.8 cm x width 21.2 cm, height 30 cm x width 20.3 cm