Biedermeier portrait of a gentleman, the young man with liquid blue eyes dressed in formal attire, wearing a gold monogrammed ring and holding a silver snuff box. Oil on canvas, laid down on foam-core, in a 19th century giltwood frame.
Image: 30" x 24"
Framed: 37- x 31-"
Germany/USA? c. 1820
30" x 24"
SOLD
This handsome portrait might well be American. It has a long history of ownership in the US. Many German artists immigrated to the US during this time, so it's entirely possible it was painted in the US by a newly arrived German artist. Whatever the case, it displays a calm austerity often seen in Biedermeier portraiture, despite expensive clothing and accessories. Note the intriguing shadow over the sitter's right shoulder.
The 19th century giltwood frame is not original. Note there are a few areas of minor restoration as visible in the photos.