18th-century Group Portrait with Family Playing Backgammon, Fine Antique Oil Painting

18th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

A fine late 18th-century group portrait depicting a family playing backgammon. It’s an unusual piece with an intriguing mystery to unravel.

Firstly, it’s rare to find a group portrait of three figures playing backgammon - so why did the artist opt for this composition? Often, you’ll find a family depicted within a room as this can highlight their wealth and status. But on this occasion, the background is a simple one with the focus on the table. The backgammon pieces are observed very well and you can even read the numbers on each dice.

Secondly, it’s tempting to consider that there was originally a fourth figure between the daughter and the mother. It’s easy to imagine a son standing with his right hand resting on his mother’s arm. Or another daughter with her left arm around her sister. But if this is the case, then why were they painted out? A family scandal perhaps?

Our research continues and we’d be delighted to hear your views. The painting is unsigned but we’re exploring whether it could be a work by Danish artist, Vigilius Eriksen (1722-1782).

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 50” x 40” / 130cm x 101cm

Year of creation: c. 1770

Provenance: Sweden

Condition: Generally very presentable following a light restoration. Craquelure is present throughout but the paint is stable. Frame with some scuff and abrasions.

Physical Dimensions

Height

101cm (39.76")

Width

130cm (51.18")

Depth

6cm (2.36")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA847837

Description

A fine late 18th-century group portrait depicting a family playing backgammon. It’s an unusual piece with an intriguing mystery to unravel.

Firstly, it’s rare to find a group portrait of three figures playing backgammon - so why did the artist opt for this composition? Often, you’ll find a family depicted within a room as this can highlight their wealth and status. But on this occasion, the background is a simple one with the focus on the table. The backgammon pieces are observed very well and you can even read the numbers on each dice.

“

Secondly, it’s tempting to consider that there was originally a fourth figure between the daughter and the mother.

Brave Fine Art

It’s easy to imagine a son standing with his right hand resting on his mother’s arm. Or another daughter with her left arm around her sister. But if this is the case, then why were they painted out? A family scandal perhaps?

fig 1. 18th-Century Group Portrait With Family Playing Backgammon, Fine Antique Oil Painting — fig 1. 18th-century Group Portrait with Family Playing Backgammon, Fine Antique Oil Painting

Our research continues and we’d be delighted to hear your views. The painting is unsigned but we’re exploring whether it could be a work by Danish artist, Vigilius Eriksen (1722-1782).

Medium: Oil on canvas

fig 2. 18th-Century Group Portrait With Family Playing Backgammon, Fine Antique Oil Painting — fig 2. 18th-century Group Portrait with Family Playing Backgammon, Fine Antique Oil Painting

Overall size: 50” x 40” / 130cm x 101cm

Year of creation: c. 1770

Provenance: Sweden

Condition: Generally very presentable following a light restoration. Craquelure is present throughout but the paint is stable. Frame with some scuff and abrasions.