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ANTIQUE #SA1104128

Late 18th-century French School, Pair Of Companion Portraits - Antique Oil Painting

Status: This item has been sold
Sold by: Brave Fine Art

This charming pair of late 18th-century French oil paintings depict a smartly attired husband and wife. Produced around 1795, during a time of exceeding tumult, they’re remarkable survivors.
 
The French Revolution, a monumental time of new ideologies, violence, and change, spanned a period from 1789 to the late 1790s. The monarchy was overthrown, the Republic was established, and both King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were publicly executed. ‘Liberty, equality and fraternity’ replaced ‘absolutism, intention, and authority’.
 
Our pair witnessed it first hand, on the losing side - they were aristocrats, probably forced to hurriedly flee from the burning capital. Although not in full uniform, on the gentleman’s left arm, he wears a white silk armband, which is likely to be a reference to the Army of Condé. This ‘émigré’ army was counter-revolutionary and fought to overthrow the Republic, thus restoring the monarchy. They were assisted by royalist armies within France and also overseas allies, such as Great Britain. It’s interesting to consider the gentleman’s rather blasé expression in the midst of such drama.
 
The lady wears an early example of a neoclassical empire dress with a high waistband, designed to revive styles observed in Greco-Roman art.
 
Both are housed in later gilt frames.
 
Medium: Oil on paper laid on board
 
Overall size: 14˝” x 17˝” / 37cm x 44cm
 
Year of creation: c. 1795
 
Provenance: Private collection, Germany.
 
Condition: Cleaned. Areas of fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Minor abrasions. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear.
 
Our reference: BRV1929
 
Antique Number: SA1104128
Dateline of this antique is 18th Century
Height is 44cm (17.3inches)
Width is 37cm (14.6inches)
Depth is 4cm (1.6inches)
Antique #SA1104128, shown on this page, originates from the 18th century. For historical context, the timeline below highlights the period when it was made:
←C18th
Famous inventions historic timeline graphic to help to give historical context to the date of this antique.
CONTACT DETAILS OF SELLER:
BRAVE FINE ART PROFILE PHOTO WHICH LINKS TO DEALER PAGE
Brave Fine Art
Exquisite antique paintings that capture the imagination.
Gloucestershire
United Kingdom
STATUS
THIS ITEM HAS BEEN SOLD
HISTORIC TIMELINE OPTIONS