A striking 19th century oil on canvas portrait of a gentleman in smart formal dress, holding a drawing instrument, presented in an impressive ornate giltwood frame.

This characterful antique portrait depicts a gentleman seated in a dark formal coat with a beautifully painted cream-coloured cravat, posed against a warm burgundy and brown background. He is shown holding what appears to be a drawing instrument, adding an interesting scholarly or professional character to the portrait.

The painting is unsigned, with no apparent signature visible to the front. Of particular interest is the original canvas stamp to the reverse reading:

WARING & DIMES

MANUFACTURERS

91 GREAT RUSSELL ST.

BLOOMSBURY

LONDON

The Waring & Dimes canvas marking is a useful historical dating indicator, placing the canvas manufacture, and therefore the portrait, approximately within the 1839-1842 period.

The painting retains a strong period character, with an attractive, warm tonal palette and an engaging portrait subject. It is housed in a substantial and highly decorative antique-style gilt frame with elaborate foliate ornamentation, which complements the painting particularly well.

Measurements

* Overall framed size: 99 x 86 cm

* Overall framed size in inches: approx. 39 x 33.9 in

* Actual painting/canvas size: 76 x 62 cm

* Actual painting/canvas size in inches: approx. 29.9 x 24.4 in

Condition

The painting is offered in antique condition commensurate with its age.

There are some losses to the paint along the edges, together with an area of historical damage/paint loss to the canvas, clearly visible in the photographs. There are also areas of age-related surface wear and craquelure.

The ornate gilt frame also shows signs of age and use, including minor wear and imperfections consistent with its period.

Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.