Mid-19th-century Spanish School, Portrait of Francisco Agustín Silvela Y Blanco - Antique Oil Painting

Name: Mid-19th-century Spanish School, Portrait of Francisco Agustín Silvela Y Blanco - Antique Oil Painting
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA977964
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This mid-19th-century oil painting depicts Francisco Agustín Silvela Y Blanco, the Spanish Minister of Grace and Justice.

Since this enigmatic painting arrived here, it's reminded us of why we work tirelessly to uncover the hidden depths of older works. It’s unsigned, and details of the sitter were lost to time. The only clue to its history, a gold chain bearing the word ‘Justicia’, Spanish for justice. With this intriguing lead, we discovered that the gold pendant was given to the Minister of Grace and Justice in Spain and, as the canvas appears to date to around 1840, the sitter became apparent.

Francisco Agustín Silvela Y Blanco held the role between the 12th of August and the 29th of August 1840. A short time in office, but longer than one of his predecessors, Juan Antonio Castejón, who managed just 3 days. Clearly proud of his appointment, Blanco sat for this portrait to record his success for posterity.

He wasn’t your everyday justice minister. In 1825, he gained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Royal Academy of Bordeaux and later studied law in Paris. As a cultured man with varied interests, he was also a professor of Humanities, of Ancient and Modern History and of Greek Language. Blanco spent many years in France before returning to Spain following the death of his father, Manuel Silvela y García de Aragón (1781-1832), an esteemed writer, lawyer and magistrate. His father sat for Francisco de Goya (1746-1828).

We’re currently in discussion with Spanish officials with a view to returning the portrait to the Ministry of Justice. But if you wish to express an interest, do let us know.

Held in a period gilt frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 27” x 32½” / 68cm x 82cm

Year of creation: 1840

Condition: Artwork presents well. Restored. Craquelure but the paint is stable. Canvas relined. Frame with some light wear.

Physical Dimensions

Height

82cm (32.28")

Width

68cm (26.77")

Depth

4cm (1.57")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA977964

Description

This mid-19th-century oil painting depicts Francisco Agustín Silvela Y Blanco, the Spanish Minister of Grace and Justice.

“

Since this enigmatic painting arrived here, it's reminded us of why we work tirelessly to uncover the hidden depths of older works.

Brave Fine Art

It’s unsigned, and details of the sitter were lost to time. The only clue to its history, a gold chain bearing the word ‘Justicia’, Spanish for justice. With this intriguing lead, we discovered that the gold pendant was given to the Minister of Grace and Justice in Spain and, as the canvas appears to date to around 1840, the sitter became apparent.

fig 1. Mid-19th-Century Spanish School, Portrait Of Francisco Agustín Silvela Y Blanco - Antique Oil Painting — fig 1. Mid-19th-century Spanish School, Portrait of Francisco Agustín Silvela Y Blanco - Antique Oil Painting

Francisco Agustín Silvela Y Blanco held the role between the 12th of August and the 29th of August 1840. A short time in office, but longer than one of his predecessors, Juan Antonio Castejón, who managed just 3 days. Clearly proud of his appointment, Blanco sat for this portrait to record his success for posterity.

fig 2. Mid-19th-Century Spanish School, Portrait Of Francisco Agustín Silvela Y Blanco - Antique Oil Painting — fig 2. Mid-19th-century Spanish School, Portrait of Francisco Agustín Silvela Y Blanco - Antique Oil Painting

He wasn’t your everyday justice minister. In 1825, he gained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Royal Academy of Bordeaux and later studied law in Paris. As a cultured man with varied interests, he was also a professor of Humanities, of Ancient and Modern History and of Greek Language. Blanco spent many years in France before returning to Spain following the death of his father, Manuel Silvela y García de Aragón (1781-1832), an esteemed writer, lawyer and magistrate. His father sat for Francisco de Goya (1746-1828).

fig 3. Mid-19th-Century Spanish School, Portrait Of Francisco Agustín Silvela Y Blanco - Antique Oil Painting — fig 3. Mid-19th-century Spanish School, Portrait of Francisco Agustín Silvela Y Blanco - Antique Oil Painting

We’re currently in discussion with Spanish officials with a view to returning the portrait to the Ministry of Justice. But if you wish to express an interest, do let us know.

Held in a period gilt frame.