17th-century Portrait of a Spanish Actor

17th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

A large 17th-century portrait of an actor dressed to the nines while performing on stage. His outfit dates to around 1585, so it’s plausible that he’s taking part in a Shakespearean play.

Perhaps this painting was a commission by the actor himself to celebrate a particularly illustrious role? We can only speculate but it’s certainly had an interesting life.

Several areas of the painting are so worn that the paint is barely visible - for example, the gentleman is carrying a sword but most of it has been lost over time.

At some point within the last 20 years, the canvas was relined professionally and, fortunately, the restorer decided to leave the paint layer untouched. It’s fascinating to see an original 17th-century piece so beautifully timeworn and true.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Size: 26½” x 37” / 67cm x 94cm

Year of creation: c. 1650

Provenance: France

Condition: Various losses, craquelure throughout, canvas a little undulant, canvas relined and stretchers replaced. But good enough to hang without a problem.

Physical Dimensions

Height

94cm (37.01")

Width

67cm (26.38")

Depth

2cm (0.79")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA675131

Description

A large 17th-century portrait of an actor dressed to the nines while performing on stage. His outfit dates to around 1585, so it’s plausible that he’s taking part in a Shakespearean play.

“

Perhaps this painting was a commission by the actor himself to celebrate a particularly illustrious role? We can only speculate but it’s certainly had an interesting life.

Brave Fine Art

fig 1. 17th-Century Portrait Of A Spanish Actor — fig 1. 17th-century Portrait of a Spanish Actor

Several areas of the painting are so worn that the paint is barely visible - for example, the gentleman is carrying a sword but most of it has been lost over time.

At some point within the last 20 years, the canvas was relined professionally and, fortunately, the restorer decided to leave the paint layer untouched. It’s fascinating to see an original 17th-century piece so beautifully timeworn and true.

fig 2. 17th-Century Portrait Of A Spanish Actor — fig 2. 17th-century Portrait of a Spanish Actor

Medium: Oil on canvas

Size: 26½” x 37” / 67cm x 94cm

Year of creation: c. 1650

Provenance: France

Condition: Various losses, craquelure throughout, canvas a little undulant, canvas relined and stretchers replaced. But good enough to hang without a problem.