Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
He seems at ease, and his build and ruddy complexion indicate a man who enjoyed good living.
Although not depicting the most handsome of men, this is a superb quality portrait. The face is beautifully painted and a strong sense of the character of the sitter is present; absolutely typical of Richardson's best and most mature English style.
JONATHAN RICHARDSON (1665–1745) sometimes called "the Elder" to distinguish him from his son) was an English artist, collector of drawings, and writer on art, working almost entirely as a portrait-painter in London.
Richardson was born in 1666, but when he was about seven his father died and his mother married again. Richardson became a scrivener's apprentice, but he was released early when his master retired. Richardson was lucky enough to be taken on as a painting apprentice by John Riley. He learnt the art of portraiture from Riley whilst living at his master's house. Richardson's wife was Riley's niece.
Richardson was even more influential as a writer than as a painter, according to Samuel Johnson. He is credited with inspiring Joshua Reynolds to paint and theorise with his 1715 book 'An Essay on the Theory of Painting'.
In 1731 he was considered by some art-critics as one of the three foremost painters of his time with Charles Jervas and Michael Dahl. He was the master of Thomas Hudson and George Knapton. His strength was in portraits of men which were sound, solid, good likenesses, and unpretentious.
SIZE: 36.5 x 31.25 inches inc. frame.
PROVENANCE: Private Collection, Gloucestershire.
Verso: inscribed on the stretcher an incorrect attribution to Vanderbank.
Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
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Portrait of a Gentleman C.1720; by Jonathan Richardson.
