Bernd Funke, German Portrait of a Gentleman with Pipe, 20th Century, Oil on Board

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A characterful german oil painting by bernd funke, depicting an elderly gentleman wearing a traditional green hat and smoking a … Read more A characterful german oil painting by bernd funke, depicting an elderly gentleman wearing a traditional green hat and smoking a long-stemmed pipe. Dating to the mid-20th century or possibly earlier, this intimate portrait is executed in oil on board and demonstrates the artist’s accomplished handling of character, expression and texture. The sitter is portrayed in close profile against a dark, atmospheric background, his weathered features, full beard and traditional dress rendered with rich, warm tones and expressive brushwork. Particular attention has been given to the face and beard, creating a convincing sense of age and personality, while the pipe and alpine-style hat lend the composition a distinctly central european character. The painting is signed bernd funke lower right and presented within an ornate giltwood-style frame decorated with scrolling foliate and floral ornament. The substantial gilded frame gives the relatively small portrait considerable decorative presence and complements the warm palette of the painting beautifully. A charming and highly decorative example of german figurative painting, particularly suited to collectors of european portraiture, traditional genre paintings and character studies. The painting presents well overall, with age-related wear and some small areas of chipping and loss to the gilt frame consistent with its age. Artist: bernd funke medium: oil on board period: mid-20th century or earlier origin: germany subject: gentleman with pipe frame: ornate gilt frame measurements: approximately 17 cm h × 12 cm w See less