What characterises 18th-century French military portraiture?

Eighteenth-century French military portraits typically depict high-ranking officers in formal uniforms, often adorned with official insignia such as the Order of Saint Louis to signify noble status and royal naval service.

What materials were traditionally used in 18th-century oil portraiture?

Artists utilised oil-based pigments mixed with linseed or walnut oil, applied directly onto hand-stretched linen canvas or wood panels, finished with natural resin varnish.

How can one determine if an 18th-century portrait is authentic?

Authentic paintings of this era feature natural age-related craquelure, period-appropriate stretcher construction, hand-forged tacks, and visible historic varnish layers under ultraviolet light inspection.

How can an antique military portrait be styled in a modern interior?

A historical portrait creates striking contrast when hung above a minimalist fireplace mantelpiece or incorporated into a dark gallery wall within a study or library.

How should an antique oil portrait on canvas be preserved?

Paintings should be displayed away from direct sunlight, heating sources, and fluctuating humidity, with maintenance restricted to gentle surface dusting using a soft, natural-bristle brush.

for sale €7,898 $8,573

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Naval Officer Wearing Order of St.louis 18th French Military Oil Portrait Paintings

Name: Naval Officer Wearing Order of St.louis 18th French Military Oil Portrait Paintings
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1167423
Price: 6750 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Mansion House Antiques & Fine Art

Description

A wonderfully painted and colourful 18thc French school portrait of a gentleman officer of high rank depicted in his formal military attire,with his hands resting confidently on the handle of his sword.

He wears an officers white long coat with matching lapels, his sleeves decorated with multiple brass buttons and gold braided epaulettes dress his shoulders.Below his chin he wears a gold silk cravat held in situ by two small blue velvet bows tied either side and finished with a silver decorative broach.His shirt is a blue silk under garment of quality.

He confidently wears his black bicorne hat decorated with silver braided cockade and finished with a crimped flower on the side.

He proudly wears with distinction the Military Order of St.Louis which is suspended from a crimson red heart fastened with honour to his chest.

The officers hands are extremely well defined and his appearance is of nobility, his grey powdered hair held in perfect curls and with a gold ear ring pierced through the lobe of his ear.

The portrait has been signed with initials S.R below a crown in the top left corner of the canvas.

MILITARY ORDER OF ST.LOUIS

The Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis (French: Ordre Royal et Militaire de Saint-Louis) is a dynastic order of chivalry founded 5 April 1693 by King Louis XIV , named after Saint Louis (King Louis IX of France). It was intended as a reward for exceptional officers, notable as the first decoration that could be granted to non-nobles. By the authorities of the French Republic, it is considered a predecessor of the Legion of Honour, with which it shares the red ribbon (though the Legion of Honour is awarded to military personnel and civilians alike).

Although officially abolished by the government authorities of the July Revolution in 1830 following the French Revolution, its activities carried on as a dynastic order of the formerly sovereign royal family. As such, it is still recognised by the International Commission on Orders of Chivalry

FRAMED SIZE : Height 43 Inches ( 110cm ) / Width 38 Inches ( 97cm ) / Depth 2.75 Inches ( 7cm )

FRAME : Very decorative stunning plaster moulded wooden frame.

DELIVERY

UK Courier ( 7-10 Days ) By Hand Add £95

WORLDWIDE : EU £400 / USA £500 (Heavy Item)

TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES : 07765 856171

Quote Our Ref 0713

Physical Dimensions

Height

110cm (43.31")

Width

97cm (38.19")

Depth

7cm (2.76")

Declaration

Mansion House Antiques & Fine Art has dated this French Naval Officer Portrait to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1167423

Dealers Internal Reference

0713

Dealers Notes

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Description

“

He wears an officers white long coat with matching lapels, his sleeves decorated with multiple brass buttons and gold braided epaulettes dress his shoulders.

Mansion House Antiques & Fine Art

Below his chin he wears a gold silk cravat held in situ by two small blue velvet bows tied either side and finished with a silver decorative broach.His shirt is a blue silk under garment of quality.

fig 1. An eighteenth-century oil portrait depicting a French naval officer wearing a tricorn hat, powdered wig, and military uniform. — fig 1. Naval Officer Wearing Order of St.louis 18th French Military Oil Portrait Paintings

He confidently wears his black bicorne hat decorated with silver braided cockade and finished with a crimped flower on the side.

He proudly wears with distinction the Military Order of St.Louis which is suspended from a crimson red heart fastened with honour to his chest.

fig 2. An eighteenth-century oil portrait depicting a French naval officer wearing a tricorn hat, powdered wig, and military uniform. — fig 2. Naval Officer Wearing Order of St.louis 18th French Military Oil Portrait Paintings

The officers hands are extremely well defined and his appearance is of nobility, his grey powdered hair held in perfect curls and with a gold ear ring pierced through the lobe of his ear.

The portrait has been signed with initials S.R below a crown in the top left corner of the canvas.

fig 3. An eighteenth-century oil portrait depicting a French naval officer wearing a tricorn hat, powdered wig, and military uniform. — fig 3. Naval Officer Wearing Order of St.louis 18th French Military Oil Portrait Paintings

MILITARY ORDER OF ST.LOUIS

The Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis (French: Ordre Royal et Militaire de Saint-Louis) is a dynastic order of chivalry founded 5 April 1693 by King Louis XIV , named after Saint Louis (King Louis IX of France). It was intended as a reward for exceptional officers, notable as the first decoration that could be granted to non-nobles. By the authorities of the French Republic, it is considered a predecessor of the Legion of Honour, with which it shares the red ribbon (though the Legion of Honour is awarded to military personnel and civilians alike).

fig 4. An eighteenth-century oil portrait depicting a French naval officer wearing a tricorn hat, powdered wig, and military uniform. — fig 4. Naval Officer Wearing Order of St.louis 18th French Military Oil Portrait Paintings

Although officially abolished by the government authorities of the July Revolution in 1830 following the French Revolution, its activities carried on as a dynastic order of the formerly sovereign royal family. As such, it is still recognised by the International Commission on Orders of Chivalry