Johann Michael Kupfer, Portrait of a Gentleman, Oil Painting

1900 - 1920

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

A characterful portrait of a gentleman wearing a lace jabot and double-breasted coat by Austrian painter, Johann Michael Kupfer (1859-1917). It’s been skilfully painted with fine brushwork picking out the facial features and looser marks for the coat. Note how the light has been observed as it darkens behind the cheekbones.

Kupfer was highly regarded in his lifetime - particularly for his portrayals of Viennese folk life. His work was shown internationally and Emperor Franz Joseph and Archduke Rainer are said to have attended his exhibitions.

He studied at several schools including the Academy of Fine Art in Nuremberg, the Royal Academy in Munich, the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and the Karlsruhe Art Academy.

In 2000, a large genre scene by Kupfer depicting a group of people enjoying a beer garden reached £23,100 at Christie's.

The painting is signed on the right and housed within a later frame.

Medium: Oil on board

Overall size: 16” x 21½” / 40cm x 55cm

Year of creation: c. 1910

Provenance: Austria

Condition: Generally very presentable. One scratch on the right-hand side. Frame with some scuffs and wear.

Artist’s auction highlight: £23,100 achieved for ‘Im Biergarten’ at Christie’s in 2000.

Physical Dimensions

Height

55cm (21.65")

Width

40cm (15.75")

Depth

1cm (0.39")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA842011

Description

A characterful portrait of a gentleman wearing a lace jabot and double-breasted coat by Austrian painter, Johann Michael Kupfer (1859-1917).

“

It’s been skilfully painted with fine brushwork picking out the facial features and looser marks for the coat.

Brave Fine Art

Note how the light has been observed as it darkens behind the cheekbones.

fig 1. Johann Michael Kupfer, Portrait Of A Gentleman, Oil Painting — fig 1. Johann Michael Kupfer, Portrait of a Gentleman, Oil Painting

Kupfer was highly regarded in his lifetime - particularly for his portrayals of Viennese folk life. His work was shown internationally and Emperor Franz Joseph and Archduke Rainer are said to have attended his exhibitions.

fig 2. Johann Michael Kupfer, Portrait Of A Gentleman, Oil Painting — fig 2. Johann Michael Kupfer, Portrait of a Gentleman, Oil Painting

He studied at several schools including the Academy of Fine Art in Nuremberg, the Royal Academy in Munich, the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and the Karlsruhe Art Academy.

In 2000, a large genre scene by Kupfer depicting a group of people enjoying a beer garden reached £23,100 at Christie's.