Van Dyck was extremely successful in Genoa in the early 1620s when he painted portraits of many of the leading families.  A high proportion of the pictures painted there remain in local collections, both public and private.  The sitter in this picture has not yet been identified, and there are no obvious clues, such as coats of arms which could be of use. It has, however, been traditionally associated with the Spinola family and the placing of the picture in the Genoese period is based on the distinctive palette used at this time.

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