Léal Souvenir

Léal Souvenir: A Masterpiece of Medieval Portraiture

Imagine stepping into a gallery and encountering a portrait that has stood the test of time, capturing the essence of a man from centuries past. This is Léal Souvenir (also known as Timotheus or Portrait of a Man), a small oil-on-oak panel by Jan van Eyck, created in 1432. Who exactly was this man?

The Mysterious Sitter

The identity of the sitter remains a mystery, but his individual features suggest he was a real person rather than an idealized figure. He is dressed in Burgundian fashion, with a red robe, green wool chaperon, and fur headdress. His plain, rustic appearance hints at a thoughtful, inward-looking nature. Could this be the face of a notary, poet, or lawyer?

The Parapet and Inscriptions

A key element of the portrait is the parapet that dominates the scene. It features three sets of inscriptions: Greek, French, and Latin. The third inscription contains van Eyck’s signature and the date of execution. What secrets do these inscriptions hold?

The Upper Inscription

The upper row of inscriptions in Greek script reads ‘TYΜ. ωΘΕΟC’. Some art historians suggest this could mean ‘Fear God’ or ‘Be Honoured, O God.’ The final character is deliberately concealed by a chip in the imitation stone. Is there more to these words than meets the eye?

The Middle Inscription

The larger middle inscription reads ‘LEAL SOVVENIR’ (Loyal Remembrance or Faithful Souvenir) in French 12th-century script. This phrase hints at a posthumous commemoration, suggesting that the portrait was created after the man’s death. Is this a tribute to someone we know today?

The Artistic Techniques

Van Eyck’s skill in mimicking stone chiselling and scarring through the parapet is evident. The sitter appears youthful with soft fleshiness, achieved through shallow curves and flowing brushstrokes. His face has a flattish shape, a stubby yet pointed nose, and prominent cheekbones. How did van Eyck capture such realism?

The Man’s Appearance

The man holds a scroll that might be a legal document, letter, or pamphlet with six lines of illegible writing. Light falls from the left, creating shadows on the side of his face. He is youthful and has a soft fleshiness achieved through shallow curves and flowing brushstrokes. His face has a flattish shape, a stubby yet pointed nose, and prominent cheekbones. Is there something more to this man’s expression?

Theories and Interpretations

A number of art historians have proposed theories for the identity of the sitter. Some suggest he is Timotheus of Miletus, a Greek musician. Others include Gilles Binchois, Jean de Croÿ, or Henry the Navigator. Who do you think it might be?

The Parapet’s Significance

The parapet has three horizontal rows of inscriptions; on the upper row is Greek script that reads ‘TYΜ. ωΘΕΟC’. The final character is deliberately concealed by a chip in the imitation stone. This inscription may read ‘Honour God’ or ‘Be Honoured, O God,’ written in the passive imperative. What message does this convey?

The Provenance and Condition

The panel consists of an 8-millimetre thick oak board, cut vertically close to the painted surface. The support’s encasing was probably changed in the 19th century. The varnish is severely degraded, with key areas of paint and ground either removed or overpainted. How has this painting survived the centuries?

The Pigment Analysis

An analysis of the pigment shows that the flesh of his face is painted with whites and vermilion, and traced with greys, blacks, blues, and some ultramarine over a red-lake glaze. The portrait differs in many ways from the underdrawing – the fingers are shorter, the right thumb and the parapet are lower, and the right arm once extended over a larger area. What does this reveal about van Eyck’s technique?

The Legacy of Léal Souvenir

Léal Souvenir is one of the earliest surviving examples of secular portraiture in medieval European art and shows realism and acute observation of details. It has been widely copied and imitated during the 15th century, with near-contemporary copper reproductions known from Bergamo and Turin. How does this painting continue to inspire artists today?

Conclusion: Léal Souvenir is a masterpiece that continues to captivate viewers with its realism and mystery. Who was the man behind the portrait? The answer may remain elusive, but one thing is certain: Jan van Eyck’s skill in capturing the essence of his subject has ensured this painting’s place in art history.