loading
reading
writing
saving
searching
Rare Early Painting of a Nobleman and Woman. Circa Late 1700's-1800's - $750 (Trabuco Canyon)
QR Code Link to This Post
Fantastic old painting that unfortunately sustained some water damage, but still looks spectacular with some minor restoration performed.
This appears to be a portrait (possibly a wedding portrait) of a nobleman (or musketeer?) and woman dressed in clothing of the late 1600s to early 1700s. Likely French in origin, but only a guess with my limited experience. Subjects have very good detail, and the background is very detailed with amazing colors. I do not see a signature (may have been cut off when canvas was relined at edges), but this may be from a notable artist as the estate I purchased this from had many important works. Further research would need to be performed.
Frame measures 28" x 42 1/2".
I acquired this painting from an East Coast estate and a few others with this particular one in a somewhat damaged and neglected state of condition that was likely the result of water damage (possibly a flood), long-term storage and was neglected for several decades. Painting and frame had a very thick coat of dirt/grime obscuring much/most of the detail of this beautiful painting. I have carefully cleaned this painting to the best of my ability and repaired the frame over the course of a month or two steaming the boards straight and flat. Corners, sides and bottom of frame sustained gilding loss, some chips, and the sides and lower part of wood frame were warped and twisted. Cleaning the painting revealed many areas of paint loss throughout, some canvas thinning, there is an old patch repair to canvas on the back, and a few possible touch-ups to paint from a century ago. The canvas was relined only at the edges at some time and tacked back down to the stretcher with old copper nails (probably around a hundred or so years ago). I noticed this when untacking and resetting to tighten up the stretched canvas a bit. I have made restorations to the frame by completely taking it apart and straightening the wood. I removed the rusty nails barely holding it together. Cleaned/sanded/wood filled the little bit of gold gilding that was remaining (only a little gilding remained on the top piece and upper sides of frame). Re-assembled the frame with unused old-stock nails and a few of the original ones that were still re-usable. Repainted the frame with a mixture of bright gold and antique gold paint, applying an antique wax finish. Not perfect but looks very presentable. I almost ditched this frame for a total replacement, but it all worked out OK with some minor imperfections in my opinion.
I would consider this painting to be in fair - slightly poor condition even with the overall paint flaws, but still great for this very old survivor. Viewers can determine for themselves. Colors are much more vivid than pictures show.
I have cleaned and restored a variety of paintings and frames over several decades but try keep it limited to the extent of my abilities.
I welcome any questions or comments from viewers and can arrange to meet in a safe public location for viewing and inspection.
Please view photos to better describe this great looking painting and to better determine condition. Colors are more vivid than pictures show with the close-ups being a bit more accurate (light reflection from windows adjacent where photos were taken).