£425.00
A beautifully presented 19th-century oval portrait of a distinguished gentleman, depicted formally dressed in black and seated against a restrained green-grey background.
A beautifully presented 19th-century oval portrait of a distinguished gentleman, depicted formally dressed in black and seated against a restrained green-grey background.
Small in scale yet remarkably commanding, the portrait captures its sitter with considerable presence. He is shown three-quarter length, seated in a red upholstered chair and turned slightly towards the viewer.
His silver-grey hair is neatly parted to one side and his expression is serious and contemplative, the face sensitively modelled with particular attention paid to the eyes, brow and subtle tonal variations of the complexion.
The sitter wears the formal black attire characteristic of a prosperous gentleman of the mid-19th century: a high-collared black coat over a waistcoat, crisp white shirt and dark neckcloth.
A single small gold stud provides an understated point of colour against the otherwise monochromatic clothing.
The strength of this little portrait lies in its restraint.
Rather than surrounding the sitter with possessions or architectural detail, the artist has placed him against a simple muted green ground. A glimpse of the red upholstered chair appears behind his right shoulder, providing just enough warmth to balance the predominantly black, grey and green palette.
The face is particularly carefully rendered.
Fine tonal transitions around the eyes and cheeks create a convincing sense of volume, while individual strokes of grey, white and brown describe the sitter's neatly arranged hair.
His identity is presently unknown, but his clothing and the formality of the portrait suggest a gentleman of comfortable social standing.
c.1840–1860 based upon the sitter's clothing, hairstyle and overall presentation.
The black neckcloth, high collar, dark waistcoat and tailored coat all sit comfortably within the middle decades of the 19th century.
Paint and hand-finished image on board, under varnish
The portrait is particularly well presented in its oval gilt
The deeply moulded profile consists of a narrow gilt inner slip surrounding the portrait, a broad gilt central moulding and a dark ebonised outer section with further gilded detailing.
The contrast between aged gold and black works beautifully with the sitter's dark formal clothing and muted background.
The surface retains attractive age-related wear, rubbing and variation to the gilding, with darker underlying areas showing through in places.
The portrait presents very well overall.
There are fine age-related surface marks, scratches and craquelure visible beneath and through the varnished finish, together with areas of apparent historic hand-finishing or overpainting.
There is some variation to the varnished surface consistent with age.
The frame has rubbing, knocks, marks and losses to the gilt and ebonised finishes, giving it an attractive naturally aged appearance.
As the precise technique has not been established, we have deliberately avoided describing the work unequivocally as a wholly hand-painted oil portrait.
Height: 30 cm / 11.8 inches
Width: 26 cm / 10.2 inches
Depth: 2 cm / 0.8 inches
Weight: 0.5 kg / 1.1 lbs
Measurements are overall including the frame.
Every item offered by Shackleton Fox is carefully inspected, prepared, and where necessary conserved within our workshop prior to sale.
As heritage craftsmen and antique specialists, we believe in preserving the authenticity and integrity of each piece. Original finishes, patina, wear, and signs of age are retained wherever possible, as these elements contribute to both character and historical significance.
When restoration, rewiring, repairs, or conservation work is required, it is undertaken sympathetically using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period of the piece. Our philosophy is one of careful stewardship rather than unnecessary restoration, ensuring antiques remain both functional and historically respectful.
The result is a collection of pieces that have been thoughtfully prepared, allowing future owners to enjoy them with confidence while preserving their unique story and character.
