This early 19th-century Austrian oil painting depicts a dashing young gentleman wearing a black coat, white waistcoat, stock and cravat. He’s dressed according to the rather dapper fashions of the 1820s when men embraced their romantic sensibilities.

The Romantic movement delved into the subjective aspects of human nature - emotion, genius and introspection. The creative force of the imagination was celebrated and the practical uprightness of neo-classicism was suppressed. This gentleman, with his animated eyes gazing attentively to the left, conveys a sense of inner complexity. He portrays the air of a thoughtful romantic - one with an advanced understanding of current literature and a passion for topical debate.

His left hand is held under his coat, which is a pose with its roots in antiquity. The Greek statesman, Aeschines (390bc-314bc), suggested that it was ill-mannered to speak without doing so. It’s also synonymous with Napoleon Bonaparte and conveying leadership qualities more broadly.

The portrait is unsigned but, given its fine quality, the artist almost certainly trained at one of the leading institutions such as the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna.

Held within a later gilt frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 26½” x 31½” / 67cm x 80cm
Year of creation: c. 1825
Provenance: Private collection, Austria.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Frame with light marks and signs of age.
Our reference: BRV1865