Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this 18th Century Child Portrait to the 1750s.
A pleasing Georgian portrait of a young boy still 'unbreeched'.
Breeching was the occasion when a small boy was first dressed in breeches or trousers.
Breeching was an important rite of passage in the life of a boy, looked forward to with much excitement. It often marked the point at which the father became more involved with the raising of a boy.
The signs that the sitter is a boy and not a girl are the short hair and the dog being active rather than docile by the side of the sitter.
The rose buds are a symbol for youth and its fleeting nature and the dog, although probably a pet, also represents fidelity and trustworthiness.
The artist is at yet not known, but he seems to have been influenced by the work of Thomas Beach (1738-1806) who was the favourite pupil of Sir Joshua Reynolds. Beach was based in Bath but travelled round Dorset and Somerset painting portraits.
SIZE: 28.5 x 24.5 inches inc. frame.
PROVENANCE:
Private Collection, Sussex.
Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this 18th Century Child Portrait to the 1750s.
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
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Portrait of a Young Boy and His Dog C.1775; English School.
