Early 19th-century English School, Portrait of a Gentleman - Antique Drawing

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This early-19th-century English watercolour depicts a debonair young gentleman sporting the latest attire.

Inspired by the exuberance of Romanticism, fashion in the 1830s was a bold affair, which emphasised emotion over reason and celebrated unconstrained thought. Ladies wore pronounced sleeves and lavish headwear, while gents adopted a striking triangular silhouette with a tucked-in waist.

Here, this particular young chap is wearing a tailcoat, shirt with an upstanding collar, black cravat and waistcoat. Note also the slightly dishevelled hair - emphasising the untamed sublimity of the natural world. This may seem a little far-fetched for a hairstyle but the ideology of the Romantic period would’ve orchestrated much of this young man’s world.

Towards the end of the 1830s, shoulders became less pronounced and closely fitted, so it probably dates to between 1836-1840.

Held within a gilt frame.

Medium: Pencil and watercolour on paper

Overall size: 9½” x 10½” / 24cm x 27cm

Year of creation: c. 1840

Condition: A few areas of discolouration. Frame with some age-related wear.

Physical Dimensions

Height

27cm (10.63")

Width

24cm (9.45")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1002844

Description

This early-19th-century English watercolour depicts a debonair young gentleman sporting the latest attire.

“

Inspired by the exuberance of Romanticism, fashion in the 1830s was a bold affair, which emphasised emotion over reason and celebrated unconstrained thought.

Brave Fine Art

Ladies wore pronounced sleeves and lavish headwear, while gents adopted a striking triangular silhouette with a tucked-in waist.

fig 1. Early 19th-Century English School, Portrait Of A Gentleman - Antique Drawing — fig 1. Early 19th-century English School, Portrait of a Gentleman - Antique Drawing

Here, this particular young chap is wearing a tailcoat, shirt with an upstanding collar, black cravat and waistcoat. Note also the slightly dishevelled hair - emphasising the untamed sublimity of the natural world. This may seem a little far-fetched for a hairstyle but the ideology of the Romantic period would’ve orchestrated much of this young man’s world.