A fine pair of mid-19th-century portraits by German painter, Carl August Gosch (1821-1903). The relationship between the couple is unclear but it’s likely that they’re husband and wife.

The portrait of the gentleman was produced in 1847, which is four years earlier than the portrait of the bonneted lady. In most cases, partner portraits were completed together, so it’s interesting to consider why these were painted so far apart.

Perhaps one possible reason could be that he initially commissioned Gosch to paint him in his fineries to aid his search for a spouse? And then upon meeting his beautiful bride, asked her to sit for the companion piece.

Whatever the story, they certainly make for a striking pair.

Carl August Gosch was a pupil at the academy in Berlin, where he also exhibited, and later became a teacher at the Berlin Art School.