French Artist, Portrait of a Gentleman, 1811, Pastel, Framed

Details

Description

Beautiful early 19th-century French pastel portrait depicting an elegant gentleman, dated 1811 and inscribed “JANIN”on the reverse.

The sitter is … Read more Beautiful early 19th-century French pastel portrait depicting an elegant gentleman, dated 1811 and inscribed “JANIN”on the reverse.

The sitter is portrayed half-length, wearing a dark formal coat with a crisp white cravat, in the refined style characteristic of French portraiture during the Empire period. The finely rendered facial features, expressive eyes and delicate pastel work give the portrait a particularly intimate and lifelike quality.

The pastel is presented in an antique giltwood frame, which complements the period and character of the work.

The reverse bears the handwritten inscription “JANIN” and “1811”, which may refer to the sitter and/or the history of the portrait. The identity of the artist and sitter has not been formally established.

Condition:
The work is in generally good condition for its age. There are visible traces of historic moisture exposure on the reverse of the support; these have not affected the pastel drawing itself, which remains well preserved and clearly legible. The frame shows the expected signs of age and wear consistent with an antique piece.

22 X 19 inch with frame. See less