This early 19th-century German oil painting depicts a seated protestant pastor holding a bible.

Ascertaining the age of portraits of the clergy is often a challenging endeavour due to the similarity of clerical clothing over the decades. However, in this instance, this particular gentleman provides a clue in the form of a fine double-breasted coat with a high collar and wide lapels. Coats of this style became popular in the 1810s and were usually made of wool.

On the pastor’s right, several leather-bound books illustrate his literacy and wisdom. While his hair is left long and natural to convey his devotion to faith over fashion.

The portrait was intended for display in the home or an ecclesiastical setting.

Held within a fine gilt frame with decorative corner ornaments, which is probably original.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 23½” x 28½” / 60cm x 73cm
Year of creation: c. 1815
Provenance: Private collection, Germany.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Cleaned. Canvas relined. One old repair. Fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Faint stretcher marks. Frame restored. Frame with light marks and signs of age.
Our reference: BRV1877