A fine early 19th-century portrait of school teacher, Sebastian Altegger (1773-1844), by German painter, Johan Pankraz Koeber (1796-1832).

The gentleman is smartly dressed in a dark frock coat, striped waistcoat and black necktie - there’s perhaps a touch of Richard E Grant about him.

The artist, Johan Pankraz Koeber, was primarily known for painting religious subjects and many of his works remain in churches within Austria and Germany. His portraiture is less common and this particular piece originated in a noble residence on Lake Como in Italy.

The portrait is housed within a beautiful gilded frame and signed/dated in the lower right. The reverse carries a detailed inscription relating to Sebastian’s family tree.