Spanish school; century XVIII. "Portrait of a gentleman". Oil on canvas.

About Auction

Live

Old Masters

By Setdart Auction House

Jun 30, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-06-30 08:30:00 2021-06-30 08:30:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Old Masters https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/setdart-auction-house/old-masters-7134
Setdart Auction House sofia@setdart.com

View Full Catalog (93)

• Lot Description
  Spanish school; century XVIII. "Portrait of a gentleman". Oil on canvas. It has slight repaints and a vintage frame. Measures: 59 x 49 cm; 67 x 57 cm (frame). In this canvas, the artist depicts the portrait of a gentleman with a deep gaze, in a diplomatic attitude, looking directly at the viewer, turning his head slightly to the front. The figure is placed in the foreground, with a long bust, and against a neutral and dark background that provokes a great exaltation of his presence due to his vividly illuminated face. In fact, the studied lighting, of tenebrist influence, is the main expressive resource used by the painter, it is a focus light, directed and artificial, which enters the composition from the front and falls directly on the main area of the image, the face of the character, creating a great clarity in the face and clothing of the character and modeling his facial features and his anatomical volumes with great naturalism. The dominant chromatic range revolves around metallic tones, combining red with a more sober palette of grays and blacks, in a restrained intonation typical of the portraitist of this time. As in the rest of Europe, the portrait became the genre that was acquiring more prominence due to the excellence of Spanish painting, as a result of the new social structures that were implemented in the Western world throughout this century, embodying the ultimate expression of the transformation of taste and mentality of the new clientele, emerged between the nobility and the wealthy gentry, who would take the reins of history in this period. While official circles gave preponderance to other artistic genres, such as history painting, and the incipient collecting encouraged the profusion of costume paintings, portraiture monopolized the demand for painting destined for the more private sphere, as a reflection of the value of the individual in the new society. This genre embodies the permanent presence of the image of its protagonists, to be enjoyed in the intimacy of a studio, in the daily warmth of a family cabinet or presiding over the main rooms of the house.
• Shipping Info

  • In-house shipping available. Please inquire at admin@setdart.com.

• Buyer's Premium
  • 22.00 %