This early 19th-century German oil painting depicts a well-presented gentleman wearing a dark green coat, white waistcoat, and black stock.
Following the French Revolution, fashion underwent a radical change throughout Europe. Extravagance was replaced with refined elegance and neoclassicism came to the fore. As such, males tended to abandon their fussy lace embellishments, powdered wigs and floral silks. Simple woollen garments in dark colours were now a sign of luxury.
A gentleman’s outfit usually comprised three elements - breeches or pantaloons, a waistcoat, and a tailcoat. Rarely were these the same colour. Waistcoats were interesting as they were often patterned and featured an upstanding collar. These were topped with appropriate neckwear, either a cravat or stock. And in contrast to the previous decades, hair tended to be short, natural and mildly dishevelled to convey the appearance of a sophisticated country gent.
Currently unframed and it would hang nicely as a canvas.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 12” x 14” / 30cm x 36cm
Year of creation: c. 1810
Provenance: Private collection, Germany.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Fine craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Canvas relined. Later stretcher.
