This mid-18th-century half-length German portrait depicts a middle-aged aristocrat wearing armour and a wig.
Despite his heavily-clad appearance, it’s likely that this rather nonchalant nobleman has little to do with military affairs as armour was often worn simply to convey status. Indeed, he’s shrouded himself in a rather ostentatious cloak lined with, what appears to be, leopard fur. Hardly practical attire for a quaggy battlefield.
Atop his head, he wears a powdered wig with orderly side coils that hang below the ears. While his natural hair seems to be styled into a ponytail, held in place with a fanciful black bow. Men from the period generally kept their hair long and either ‘bagged’ it, curled it or left it to dangle, as per this example.
His identity remains unknown but he’s evidently a man of considerable means.
Held in a later frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 31½” x 36” / 80cm x 92cm
Year of creation: c.1750
Provenance: Private collection, Germany.
Condition: Cleaned. Canvas relined. Faint stretcher marks. Areas of fine craquelure and minor losses, the paint layer is stable following previous conservation. Frame in excellent condition.
Our reference: BRV1927
