Attb. Theodore Blake Wirgman - Graphite Drawing Portrait of Honore de Balzac

Description

A fine characterful portrait of the French novelist and playwright Honore de Balzac (1799-1850), attributed to the artist Theodore Blake Wirgman (1848-1925), in graphite with a small amount of body colour. The use of shading and expressive lines is especially fine in the facial features, and the sitter is depicted in his usual pose with one raised arm. Well-presented in an oval gilt wooden frame with a card mount, as shown in the photographs provided. Inscribed on the reverse.On wove.

Condition

The condition is very good for a picture of this age, including some discolouration. The frame has some stable cracks to the sides, and general surface paint loss to the lower half, as shown.

Size

24.2 x 18.4cm (9.5" x 7.2")
Framed Size: 35.1 x 30.5cm (13.8" x 12")

Artist Biography

Theodore Blake Wirgman (1848-1925) was a Belgian born painter of portraits, historical and genre pictures. He arrived in England during the 1860's and studied at the Royal Academy Schools, and worked as a portrait artist for The Graphic. A prolific exhibitor, he was elected a member of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters in 1891. His work is currently held in collections at the National Portrait Gallery, Aberdeen Art Gallery, National Library of Wales, as well as the National Trust.