Stately English School Antique Framed Formal Portrait of Man Oil Painting Art Home Wall Decor

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Description

This captivating mid-19th-century formal portrait presents a commanding image of an upper-class gentleman, radiating poise, intellect, and quiet authority. Standing … Read more This captivating mid-19th-century formal portrait presents a commanding image of an upper-class gentleman, radiating poise, intellect, and quiet authority. Standing at a desk carefully arranged with books, an inkwell, and a freshly opened letter, the subject’s dignified presence and composed expression hint at a life of influence — perhaps in politics, commerce, or aristocratic circles.

Dressed in fine, period-appropriate attire, the gentleman stands against a backdrop of rich symbolism: a glimpse of the Collegiate Church of St Mary the Virgin in Haddington, East Lothian is visible through a window, anchoring the sitter to a place of historical and regional significance and suggesting his connection to the area’s venerable institutions.

Executed on wood panel with remarkable skill and clarity, the portrait captures the era’s formal sensibilities, with exquisite attention to detail in the textures of fabric, the soft modeling of flesh tones, and the arrangement of symbolic objects. Though unsigned, respected experts at a Scottish auction house have confidently attributed the work to William Yellowlees (Scottish, 1796–1885), noting the refined technique and compositional hallmarks consistent with Yellowlees’ known portraits.

The painting is housed within an ornate, gold gilt frame of generous proportions, measuring 20 inches high, 16 inches wide, and 1.5 inches deep. The visible panel dimensions are approximately 15.25 inches by 11.25 inches. It remains in good antique condition, with expected signs of age including light surface wear and areas of mild crazing. Please refer to the photographs for a closer examination.

Adding to its historical appeal, this portrait boasts notable provenance from the Earl of Wemyss collection at Amisfield House in Haddington, East Lothian. Constructed in the late 18th century for the Dalrymple family, Amisfield House was a Georgian masterpiece and a seat of local aristocracy. In the 19th century, it served as a distinguished gathering place for Scotland’s landed gentry before its eventual abandonment in 1925 and demolition in 1928. This painting offers a rare, tangible link to that vanished world — a dignified survivor from a storied estate.

A superb acquisition for collectors of Scottish portraiture, or historical fine art with noble provenance. See less