18th century French school, portrait of an aristocrat wearing a red English-style outfit with a blue collar and silver buttons, and a very fine lace tie. Posing in three-quarter view, our handsome man also wears a gold earring.
Our oval-shaped oil on canvas portrait is set in its original oak frame gilt with gold leaf, with its original wrought iron fastening ring. Late 18th century circa 1790.
Beautiful painting, very well executed : the subject is a handsome man, the red jacket creates a very colorful effect. The presence of the earring was fashionable at the very end of the 18th century, including even the highest social classes. It is usually associated to sailors (with two possible interpretations : to mean that the sailor has traveled a lot and crossed the equator, or to be used to pay for a decent grave in the event that the sailor perishes far from home), or as a sign of recognition of the Free Mansonry during 18th century.
In excellent condition, painting and frame were cleaned.
Frame : 87.5cm x 72.7cm
Canvas : 72cm x 57cm
