A characterful portrait of a gentleman wearing a lace jabot and double-breasted coat by Austrian painter, Johann Michael Kupfer (1859-1917). It’s been skilfully painted with fine brushwork picking out the facial features and looser marks for the coat. Note how the light has been observed as it darkens behind the cheekbones.

Kupfer was highly regarded in his lifetime - particularly for his portrayals of Viennese folk life. His work was shown internationally and Emperor Franz Joseph and Archduke Rainer are said to have attended his exhibitions.

He studied at several schools including the Academy of Fine Art in Nuremberg, the Royal Academy in Munich, the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and the Karlsruhe Art Academy.

In 2000, a large genre scene by Kupfer depicting a group of people enjoying a beer garden reached £23,100 at Christie's.

The painting is signed on the right and housed within a later frame.

Medium: Oil on board
Overall size: 16” x 21½” / 40cm x 55cm
Year of creation: c. 1910
Provenance: Austria
Condition: Generally very presentable. One scratch on the right-hand side. Frame with some scuffs and wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £23,100 achieved for ‘Im Biergarten’ at Christie’s in 2000.