What characterises 18th-century French military portraiture?

Portraits from this period typically depict officers in formal uniform, detailing military insignia, decorations such as the Order of Saint Louis, and specific period regalia to denote rank and social standing.

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

Artists utilised hand-mixed oil pigments applied to stretched linen or cotton canvas, often housed within carved wooden frames finished with gold leaf or gesso detailing.

How can one verify the age of an 18th-century military oil painting?

Key indicators include natural craquelure patterns across the paint layer, oxidation on the reverse of the canvas, hand-forged stretcher bars, and historic pigment composition.

How can an antique military portrait be incorporated into modern interior styling?

These portraits serve as focal points above a mantelpiece or sideboard, providing visual weight and historical character when paired with clean-lined modern or classical furnishings.

What are the essential care requirements for an antique oil painting?

Maintain a stable environment away from direct sunlight, excess humidity, and heat sources, dusting gently with a dry, soft brush without applying liquid cleaners.

for sale €7,898 $8,573

£6,750

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Antique French Portrait

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Antique Officer Portrait Painting

Id #SA1222522

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

Name: French Naval Officer Wearing Order of St.louis 18th Military Oil Portrait Paintings
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1222522
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

SA1222522

Dealers Internal Reference

0713

Dealers Notes

Payments are accepted by Bank Transfer & by Debit / Credit Cards Via the BUY NOW Payment Link Tab shown below each items description.

PAY-PAL Account Holders are welcome. CHEQUES Drawn from UK banks.

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 18th-century oil portrait of a French naval officer in uniform with gold epaulettes, set within an ornate carved gold gilt frame. — fig 1. French Naval Officer Wearing Order of St.louis 18th 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 18th-century oil portrait of a French naval officer in uniform with gold epaulettes, set within an ornate carved gold gilt frame. — fig 2. French Naval Officer Wearing Order of St.louis 18th 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 18th-century oil portrait of a French naval officer in uniform with gold epaulettes, set within an ornate carved gold gilt frame. — fig 3. French Naval Officer Wearing Order of St.louis 18th 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 18th-century oil portrait of a French naval officer in uniform with gold epaulettes, set within an ornate carved gold gilt frame. — fig 4. French Naval Officer Wearing Order of St.louis 18th 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