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A striking 19th-century Continental School oil on canvas portrait depicting an elderly bearded man seated against a dark background. The sitter looks directly towards the viewer while resting his hand beneath his chin, creating a contemplative and intimate character study.
The painting is executed in a traditional Old Master-inspired manner, with warm earthy tones and dramatic use of light against the deep, atmospheric background.
The work appears to be illegibly signed in the lower right-hand corner. The artist has not been identified and is therefore offered as Continental School, 19th Century.
Presented in an impressive ornate giltwood and gesso frame with decorative beaded inner moulding. The reverse retains an old framer’s label from Gallerie Sidhe, Oakley, Watford, adding interest to the work’s framing history.
Dimensions
Overall framed:
52 × 44 cm — 20.47 × 17.32 inches
Painting / visible artwork:
37 × 30 cm — 14.57 × 11.81 inches
Condition
The painting is offered in pre-owned antique condition, consistent with its age. There are areas of age-related surface wear and signs of use visible in the photographs. The ornate frame has expected wear, rubbing and losses to the gilding commensurate with age. The reverse has an old paper backing which is worn and torn in places.
Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and show the condition of both the painting and frame.
A characterful 19th-century portrait with an atmospheric, dark palette and an impressive antique gilt frame — an attractive addition to a traditional, period or Old Master-inspired interior.
