A superb example of Victorian portraiture, this bold and characterful oil portrait shows a striking gentleman in fine dress. He is wearing a double-breasted Newmarket coat of black cloth and a double breasted waistcoat, done up over a crisp white wing collar shirt, finished with a fetching polka dot bow tie. As any well presented man of this era would, this man is sporting a very fine moustache with neatly coiffed hair. A glimpse of the gold chain of a pocket watch and the onyx signet ring on the man's little finger, signify both his personal wealth and familial wealth (signet rings were cut with their owner's family crest and were used to seal important documents and letters).
The painting, although indicative of the era in the man's dress and the composition of the piece, has a feel of Lucien Freud's portraits about it. The hands in particular have the bluish veins and reddish knuckles, seen in Freud's work. The face too, has a much less austere feel than many Victorian portraits, with warmer tones, rougher brushwork and a more honest execution.
The painting is unsigned and handsomely presented in an early 20th Century oak frame with gilt inner window.
On canvas.The painting is in remarkable condition given its age. There is very minor craquelure to the surface. There is a canvas repair to the reverse which has been restored at the front. This restoration is visible at certain angles but does not generally affect the overall painting. The frame has some minor denting around the edges but is in overall fine condition.
74 x 61cm (29.1" x 24")Framed Size: 92.5 x 79.5cm (36.4" x 31.3")
| SKU | rh241 |
|---|---|
| Date | c.1870 |
| Dimensions | 74 x 61cm |
| Medium | Oil |
| Subject | Portrait |
| Item Returns | This item can be returned |
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