In this exquisite portrait, a young officer is seated in an interior wearing a black high collar coat with a single row of striking gold buttons down the front and on the cuffs. Presented in a good quality frame with presentation label. This masculine portrait is striking in quality and its virtuoso treatment of the fabrics, portraying different texture and how they reflect the light. The handling and rendering of the paint and the high degree of realism is very good. These types of large-scale portraits were popular during the late 19th and early 20th century and there were many artists working in this lucrative area. Many individuals wanted to immortalise themselves at, what was no doubt, a significant and poignant time in their life and in their country. The gentleman proudly wears the badge of the Legion of Honour suspended from a red ribbon upon his left breast. This insignia is the highest French order of merit for military and civil merits, of which there are five d...