MASTER of Flémalle
(b. ca. 1375, Valenciennes, d. 1444, Tournai)

Portrait of a Fat Man

c. 1430
Wood, 35,4 x 23,7 cm
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid

The sitter probably was Robert de Masmines, a distinguished Burgundian soldier, identifiable on the basis of a drawing now in Arras. The daring white background is calculated to heighten every aspect of the sitter's jowly, stubbly physiognomy, his ducal ties indicated by the court's characteristic short haircut and fur-trimmed robes.