19th century french portrait

Description

Large Antique portrait of a French Gentleman
Wonderful 3/4 length Portrait of an old French man sitting in a French Carolean carved high back carver throne chair and holding a French antique gold box.

The face is very well painted, portraying a characterful confident gentleman looking out and engaging with the viewer.

Painted in the late 19th/early 20th century, possibly in Bordeaux France

Provenance

A la palette d’or / Bonnet”, supplier of painting and drawing articles located at 52 Fossés de l’Intendance in BORDEAUX

In the 19th century, portraits were an important means of showcasing wealth, status, and power. French dignitaries were especially fond of commissioning portraits, which often depicted them in regal clothing and against grandiose backdrops.

One such portrait might depict a French dignitary in a formal setting, such as a government building or a palace. The subject might be seated in an ornate chair, with a table or desk nearby, signifying his importance and power. He might be dressed in fine, tailored clothing, with a jacket or coat that is impeccably cut and made of luxurious materials like silk or velvet.

The portrait would likely showcase the dignitary’s face, which would be stoic and proud, showing his authority and command. He might be holding a quill pen or a book, signifying his intellect and education, or he might be holding an object that symbolizes his position, such as a sceptre or a sword.

The background of the portrait would be just as important as the subject. It might feature a grand, ornate architectural design, such as a towering cathedral or palace, showcasing the grandeur and magnificence of French architecture. The colours in the background might be rich and vibrant, with a palette that highlights the subject’s clothing and adds to the regal atmosphere of the portrait.

In the 19th century, the art of portraiture was highly revered, and French dignitaries would spare no expense in commissioning the most skilled artists to create their portraits. Some of the most famous portraitists of the time included Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, Jacques-Louis David, and Édouard Manet. The style of these portraits would vary, from the romanticism of Ingres to the realism of Manet, but they all captured the essence of the subject and conveyed their power and importance to the world.

Overall, a 19th-century portrait of a French dignitary would be a powerful symbol of wealth, status, and power. It would showcase the subject’s regal clothing, stoic expression, and grand surroundings, all while conveying a sense of elegance and sophistication that was highly valued in French society at the time.

Measurements excluding frame

Height 101 cm

Width 81

Condition report

Small previous repair. craquelure throughout the picture. Some loss of paint down the right side of the painting. Please all the photos as they form part of the description.