Francois Theodore Rochard

An elegant 19th-century French watercolour portrait by Francois Theodore Rochard (1798–1858), depicting a young gentleman seated in a fauteuil. The figure is presented in fashionable period dress, including a brown coat, white shirt and patterned cravat, with particularly fine attention to the face, clothing and carved wooden chair.

The work is signed and dated 1842 to the lower left and has a label beneath the image inscribed “jour à Gauche”. Executed in watercolour and heightened in white, the painting has a refined, softly atmospheric palette typical of 19th-century portraiture.

Condition Report

Good antique condition with age-related toning, marks and surface wear to the artwork and mount. The glazing shows reflections in photographs. The reverse has an aged paper backing with old tape, tears and areas of wear. The frame has expected age-related wear, rubbing and minor marks. Please study all photographs carefully as they form part of the condition description.

Dimensions

* Overall (framed): 50 × 40 cm (19.69 × 15.75 inches).

* Visible artwork: approx 23 × 30 cm (9.06 × 11.81 inches).