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ID #SA1230602
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£3,800
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Portrait of an Actor in Character by a Follower of Samuel De Wilde (1752-1832) Circa 1845
Miles Barton Art and Interiors
for sale €4,446     $4,826
£3,800

Miles Barton Art and Interiors

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2026
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    17th to 19th century british and european pictures and works of art
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Portrait of an Actor in Character by a Follower of Samuel De Wilde (1752-1832) Circa 1845

19th century
Description

Samuel De Wilde studied at the Royal Academy Schools and became well known for his theatrical portraits, which he exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1792 until 1821. He made his name through the publication ‘British Theatre’, that ran from 1791 until 1795, for which he provided ninety-three pictures, by which time his reputation had been established. Many actors and actresses came to sit to him and his theatrical portraits continued to adorn numerous publications throughout his life.

The portrait presented here echoes his work and is very similar in composition and style. Dressed in elegant eighteenth century attire, the actor rests in character behind the scenes, surrounded by what appears to be theatrical props. The original canvas bears the specific Winsor & Newton canvas suppliers mark for 1841 when they received Royal Appointment and so the painting would have been completed close to this time.

Provenance: Private Collection, England

Oil on canvas held in period gilt frame

Canvas: 45 x 36 cm (17 ½ 14 in)

Frame size: 69 x 61 cm (27 by 24 in)

Physical Dimensions
Height
69cm (27.17")
Width
61cm (24.02")
Depth
8cm (3.15")
Declaration

Miles Barton Art and Interiors has dated this Antique Actor Portrait Painting to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1230602
Description
Samuel De Wilde studied at the Royal Academy Schools and became well known for his theatrical portraits, which he exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1792 until 1821.
“
He made his name through the publication ‘British Theatre’, that ran from 1791 until 1795, for which he provided ninety-three pictures, by which time his reputation had been established.
Miles Barton Art and Interiors

Many actors and actresses came to sit to him and his theatrical portraits continued to adorn numerous publications throughout his life.

fig 1. An antique oil painting depicting a seated actor in 18th-century attire holding a cane, displayed inside an elaborate gold gilt frame.
fig 1. Portrait of an Actor in Character by a Follower of Samuel De Wilde (1752-1832) Circa 1845

The portrait presented here echoes his work and is very similar in composition and style. Dressed in elegant eighteenth century attire, the actor rests in character behind the scenes, surrounded by what appears to be theatrical props. The original canvas bears the specific Winsor & Newton canvas suppliers mark for 1841 when they received Royal Appointment and so the painting would have been completed close to this time.

Provenance: Private Collection, England

Oil on canvas held in period gilt frame

Canvas: 45 x 36 cm (17 ½ 14 in)

Frame size: 69 x 61 cm (27 by 24 in)

Height
69cm (27.17")
Width
61cm (24.02")
Depth
8cm (3.15")
Date of Manufacture

Miles Barton Art and Interiors has dated this Antique Actor Portrait Painting to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1230602
Miles Barton Art and Interiors
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2026

17th to 19th century british and european pictures and works of art

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Miles Barton Art and Interiors Profile Page

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An antique oil painting depicting a seated actor in 18th-century attire holding a cane, displayed inside an elaborate gold gilt frame.
1 / 5
Archive I An antique oil painting depicting a seated actor in 18th-century attire holding a cane, displayed inside an elaborate gold gilt frame.

Portrait of an Actor in Character by a Follower of Samuel De Wilde (1752-1832) Circa 1845

Archive II An antique oil painting depicting a seated actor in 18th-century attire holding a cane, displayed inside an elaborate gold gilt frame. View II
Archive III An antique oil painting depicting a seated actor in 18th-century attire holding a cane, displayed inside an elaborate gold gilt frame. View III
Archive IV An antique oil painting depicting a seated actor in 18th-century attire holding a cane, displayed inside an elaborate gold gilt frame. View IV
Archive V An antique oil painting depicting a seated actor in 18th-century attire holding a cane, displayed inside an elaborate gold gilt frame. View V
Enlarged Archival View

Miles Barton Art and Interiors
Telephone 07941 233015
Location
London and Somerset
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/milesbarton
Verified Since Aug 2026
Items For Sale 3
Miles Barton Art and Interiors
Verified Since Aug 2026
View Dealer Info
Location: London and Somerset, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/milesbarton
Verified
Aug 2026
For Sale
3
An antique oil painting depicting a seated actor in 18th-century attire holding a cane, displayed inside an elaborate gold gilt frame.
Portrait of an Actor in Character by a follower of Samuel De Wilde (1752-1832) circa 1845
Ref: SA1230602
An antique oil painting depicting a seated actor in 18th-century attire holding a cane, displayed inside an elaborate gold gilt frame.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Archival Detail

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FAQs

Theatrical portraiture gained prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries, capturing celebrated actors dressed in specific stage costumes and roles. These works documented contemporary theatre culture and provided patrons with iconic likenesses of popular performers.

Portraits from this era were primarily rendered in oil paints on woven linen or cotton canvas stretched over wooden frames. The outer picture frames were typically constructed from carved wood or moulded gesso, finished with applied gold leaf.

Authentic period oil paintings usually show natural age-related craquelure across the paint surface, historic oxidation on the canvas backing, and hand-cut wooden stretcher bars. Original giltwood frames often display wear to the gilding, revealing the underlying red or yellow bole clay.

An antique portrait can serve as a focal point when hung above a mantelpiece, sideboard, or integrated into an eclectic gallery wall. Pairing traditional oil paintings with minimalist modern furniture creates a compelling contrast between historic art and contemporary decor.

Keep the canvas away from direct sunlight, radiator heat, and fluctuating humidity to prevent cracking or warping. Dust the frame gently with a soft dry brush, avoiding liquid cleaners which can dissolve historic gilding or varnish.
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