Rob Hall Antiques has dated this 18th Century Gentleman Portrait to the Georgian era.
The portrait follows the sophisticated London tradition emerging in the years immediately following Sir Godfrey Kneller (who Highmore trained under) particularly in the modelling of the oval face, the handling of the eyes and the refined treatment of the lace cravat and shimmering fabrics. The richly worked costume, together with the commanding yet intimate pose, suggests a sitter of considerable social standing — possibly connected to court or politics during the reign of George I.
Highmore painted a number of knights in the 1720s following the creation of the Order of the Bath in 1725. The similarity of likeness of the sitter to a portrait in Abbot Hall said to be by Joseph Highmore of Sackville Tufton MP, 7th Earl of Thanet, cannot be overlooked.... Highmore also painted a portrait of the Duke of Cumberland for King George I.
Highmore was the son of a coal merchant and showed early interest in fine arts but his family sought to discourage him and placed him in the employ of a solicitor. Highmore would not be dissuaded and left to pursue a career in the arts, and went on to be a successful portrait painter.
Oil on canvas, housed in a carved wood and gesso gilt frame dating to the late 18th or early 19th century. Comparisons may be drawn with Highmore’s early portraits in the handling of facial structure, the elongated eye shape, and the subtle tonal transitions of flesh and drapery. As with portraits of the age there has been historic conservation and cleaning.
A striking and atmospheric early Georgian portrait.
Measuring: Frame 94 cm x 83 cm Canvas 76 cm x 64 cm
Circle of Joseph Highmore (1692-1780)
British, circa 1720
Rob Hall Antiques has dated this 18th Century Gentleman Portrait to the Georgian era.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Rob Hall Antiques Profile Page
A Fine Early 18th Century Portrait of a Gentleman in a Crimson Coat, Circle of Joseph Highmore (1692-1780)
