British school

A charming 19th-century British School portrait of a gentleman, painted in the Regency tradition, depicted against a rich red draped background with a distant landscape visible to the right.

The sitter is presented in a formal dark coat with a white cravat, characteristic of early 19th-century portraiture. The painting has a particularly attractive antique character, with visible age-related craquelure and patina.

Importantly, the reverse bears an old handwritten inscription in ink reading “Grandfather Shotnam”, which may provide an interesting clue to the identity or provenance of the sitter.

The portrait is housed in a striking ornately moulded giltwood-style frame, decorated with elaborate scrolling foliate ornamentation and a textured finish. The frame is an impressive feature in its own right and gives the painting a very decorative presence

Dimensions

Overall framed size:

43 × 50 cm

Approx. 16.93 × 19.69 inches

Painting / actual image size:

28 × 34 cm

Approx. 11.02 × 13.39 inches

Condition

The painting is offered in antique condition, with age-related craquelure, surface wear and signs of age consistent with its period. Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

The frame has damage, including cracks, losses and areas of wear to the decorative moulding and finish. There are also various old marks and imperfections. The frame remains structurally presentable and highly decorative, but restoration may be desirable depending on the buyer’s preference.

Please note: This is an antique artwork and is being sold as a period piece. We have not undertaken any restoration or authentication and cannot guarantee the identity of the sitter beyond the inscription found on the reverse.

A very characterful example of British Regency portraiture, with an intriguing family inscription and an exceptionally decorative antique gilt frame.