George Bonavia, Portrait of a Young Officer - Antique Pastel

Name: George Bonavia, Portrait of a Young Officer - Antique Pastel
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1012626
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This charming mid-19th-century pastel by Maltese artist George Bonavia (1818-1901) depicts a young British officer in uniform.

Upstanding with his right hand resting on his hip, he carries a confident expression. He appears to be wearing the ‘undress uniform’ of the grenadier guards and his gold-laced cap bears the iconic grenade badge. The portrait was completed in 1856, the final year of the Crimean War.

Bonavia was familiar with the army. His grandfather, Matteo, was the first Maltese officer of the Royal Engineers and his brother, Emanuel, was a Brigade Surgeon for the Indian Medical Service. George, however, preferred artistic pursuits and exhibited numerous works at the Royal Academy.

The portrait is inscribed ‘NL (after)’ in the lower left along with his signature. This indicates that he based his drawing on another work by an artist with those initials.

Medium: Pastel on paper

Overall size: 18” x 21” / 46cm x 53cm

Year of creation: 1856

Condition: Slight creasing and a minor tear on the right. Frame with some light wear.

George Bonavia was a Maltese artist predominantly known for his portraits and scenes. The National Portrait Gallery holds an example of his work.

Learn more about George Bonavia in our directory.

Physical Dimensions

Height

53cm (20.87")

Width

46cm (18.11")

Depth

1cm (0.39")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1012626

Description

This charming mid-19th-century pastel by Maltese artist George Bonavia (1818-1901) depicts a young British officer in uniform.

Upstanding with his right hand resting on his hip, he carries a confident expression.

“

He appears to be wearing the ‘undress uniform’ of the grenadier guards and his gold-laced cap bears the iconic grenade badge.

Brave Fine Art

The portrait was completed in 1856, the final year of the Crimean War.

fig 1. George Bonavia, Portrait Of A Young Officer - Antique Pastel — fig 1. George Bonavia, Portrait of a Young Officer - Antique Pastel

Bonavia was familiar with the army. His grandfather, Matteo, was the first Maltese officer of the Royal Engineers and his brother, Emanuel, was a Brigade Surgeon for the Indian Medical Service. George, however, preferred artistic pursuits and exhibited numerous works at the Royal Academy.

fig 2. George Bonavia, Portrait Of A Young Officer - Antique Pastel — fig 2. George Bonavia, Portrait of a Young Officer - Antique Pastel

The portrait is inscribed ‘NL (after)’ in the lower left along with his signature. This indicates that he based his drawing on another work by an artist with those initials.

Medium: Pastel on paper

Overall size: 18” x 21” / 46cm x 53cm