Early 19th-century German School, Portrait of a Gentleman - Antique Oil Painting

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This early 19th-century German oil painting depicts a well-presented gentleman wearing a dark green coat, white waistcoat, and black stock.

Following the French Revolution, fashion underwent a radical change throughout Europe. Extravagance was replaced with refined elegance and neoclassicism came to the fore. As such, males tended to abandon their fussy lace embellishments, powdered wigs and floral silks. Simple woollen garments in dark colours were now a sign of luxury.

A gentleman’s outfit usually comprised three elements - breeches or pantaloons, a waistcoat, and a tailcoat. Rarely were these the same colour. Waistcoats were interesting as they were often patterned and featured an upstanding collar. These were topped with appropriate neckwear, either a cravat or stock. And in contrast to the previous decades, hair tended to be short, natural and mildly dishevelled to convey the appearance of a sophisticated country gent.

Currently unframed and it would hang nicely as a canvas.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 12” x 14” / 30cm x 36cm

Year of creation: c. 1810

Provenance: Private collection, Germany.

Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Fine craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Canvas relined. Later stretcher.

Physical Dimensions

Height

36cm (14.17")

Width

30cm (11.81")

Depth

2cm (0.79")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1800s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1050556

Description

This early 19th-century German oil painting depicts a well-presented gentleman wearing a dark green coat, white waistcoat, and black stock.

Following the French Revolution, fashion underwent a radical change throughout Europe. Extravagance was replaced with refined elegance and neoclassicism came to the fore. As such, males tended to abandon their fussy lace embellishments, powdered wigs and floral silks. Simple woollen garments in dark colours were now a sign of luxury.

“

A gentleman’s outfit usually comprised three elements - breeches or pantaloons, a waistcoat, and a tailcoat.

Brave Fine Art

Rarely were these the same colour. Waistcoats were interesting as they were often patterned and featured an upstanding collar. These were topped with appropriate neckwear, either a cravat or stock. And in contrast to the previous decades, hair tended to be short, natural and mildly dishevelled to convey the appearance of a sophisticated country gent.

fig 1. Early 19th-Century German School, Portrait Of A Gentleman - Antique Oil Painting — fig 1. Early 19th-century German School, Portrait of a Gentleman - Antique Oil Painting

Currently unframed and it would hang nicely as a canvas.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 12” x 14” / 30cm x 36cm

Year of creation: c. 1810

Provenance: Private collection, Germany.

Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Fine craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Canvas relined. Later stretcher.