John Stirling, Portraits of Scottish Cleric & His Wife, 1851, Oil Paintings, Set of 2

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An original 1851 oil painting, John Stirling, Portraits of a Scottish Professor or Cleric & His Wife.This impressive pair of … Read more An original 1851 oil painting, John Stirling, Portraits of a Scottish Professor or Cleric & His Wife.This impressive pair of mid-19th-century portraits are by the Scottish artist John Stirling (1820–1871).Whilst the identity of the sitters is unknown, they are likely to be Scottish and the male portrait indicates that this was a man of learning: the black gown and 'preaching bands' collar indicate the possession of an advanced university degree and were items worn by professors and lawyers as well as clerics. The sumptuous draped red curtain is a compositional device that was used by great portraitists such as Anthony Van Dyck and Sir Thomas Lawrence, to create both a sense of grandeur and intrigue. The hint of a bookshelf behind the curtain alludes to the sitter's learning. Rather unusually, the gentleman wears one black glove. Gloves have been used in Western portraiture throughout history, charged with symbolic significance—emblematic of fidelity and loyalty. Perhaps here of significance is the attention drawn to the ungloved hand, refined and poised—ready to extract a book from the shelf, or representing the capacity for human care.The woman, presumed to be the gentleman's wife, is dressed in smart finery and sports the fashionable ringlet hairstyle of the day. Her setting associates her closely with nature, in a manner that recalls Gainsborough: not only does the abundantly leaved tree arch behind her but also her chair itself is constructed out of a natural branch, entwined with ivy. The portrait therefore fulfils Romantic tastes for landscape and a greater informality in portrait painting.Painted on Charles Roberson & Co., 51 Long Acre, London board. Additionally the female portrait bears the label of Gifford & Mair Carvers & Gilders, 163 Union Street, Aberdeen, on the reverse side of the board.The paintings are presented in matching substantial 19th-century gesso and wood gilt frames.Image size: 39.5 x 32cm. Frame size: 56 x 48.5cm (each). Signed: The male portrait is signed at the lower right. Inscribed: No. Dated: The male portrait is dated at the lower right. Height: 56cm (22″) Width: 48.5cm (19.1″) Condition: In excellent condition overall. The male portrait has a small area of chipping to the paint at the upper edge, which does not detract from the overall impression. There are a small number of further minor paint losses to the far outer edges of the board on both pictures, which are adequately covered by the frames. The frames are in good order, save for some minor wear and hairline cracking, commensurate with age. Gaps outside the edges of the boards on the reverse have been historically filled to prevent movement within the frame. Please see photos for detail. Presented: Framed. This piece has an attribution mark,
I am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less