This charming mid-18th-century English School oil painting depicts a young gentleman wearing a blue suit with a yellow and silver waistcoat while holding a tricorn under his left arm. It bears some resemblance to the work of Henry Pickering (c.1720-1770/1771) and it’s been previously attributed to his hand.

Dressed in the latest fashions, he’s probably the image of his father. It’s such a proud moment for the family and perhaps his first solo portrait. This was the time of Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) and Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), the golden age of British portraiture. When every gentleman of note sought to present his image in the best possible taste.

It’s likely that in around five years or so, this young man would undertake his ‘Grand Tour of the Continent’, with Italy a key destination. The portrait marks a stepping stone in his development, from a boy into a man of quality.

Under his left arm, he’s carrying a tricorn with silver lace trimming - a three-cornered hat, which was ubiquitous during the period. Also known as a ‘cocked hat’, these were smaller than many other styles, allowing one to tuck it easily under the arm when entering a building. He’s also sporting a rather fancy collar, similar to the one worn by the boy on the right in William Hogarth’s, ‘The Graham Children’ from 1742.

Held in a splendid 18th-century neoclassical frame with floral corner ornaments, which is probably original.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 28” x 33½” / 71cm x 85cm
Year of creation: c. 1750
Provenance: Private collection, UK.
Condition: Cleaned. Canvas relined. Later stretcher. Fine craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame with various marks and showing its age.
Our reference: BRV1935