Portrait of an Officer, Signed & Dated 1855; Alfred Guillard (1810-1880)

Oil on canvas in original gilt frame.

In this bust length French Second Empire portrait an officer is wearing a navy coat with scarlett piping, silver epaulettes, and a large regimental brass badge with eagle. It is signed ‘A Guillard’ and dated 1855. These types of portraits were popular during the 19th and early 20th century and there were many artists working in this lucrative area for private commission but also public display such as town halls, etc. Held in its original good quality gilt frame.

Alfred Guillard was a popular portrait painter and museologist born in Caen France on 17th February 1810 and died in the same city in 1880. He was Director of the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Caen from 1841 to 1880. He appeared at the Paris Salon from 1842 to 1850. It is thought that many of this works especially those in private collections were lost during WW2 due to the disastrous bombings in Caen. The artist was such admired that Edgar Degas owned two Guillard canvases.

Measurements: Height 91cm, Width 77cm framed (Height 35.75”, Width 30.25” framed)

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