Antique oil portraits, especially of children, add warmth and presence of an earlier time to a home. I’m endlessly fascinated by the people captured in these antique oils. I wonder who they were, where they lived, if they fell in love, whether or not they ended up with the object of their affection, what kind of personality did they have? These people end up becoming as familiar as the faces of the living to us. Eventually we imagine a history and background for these people and they become a part of our home and family. Essentially they remain alive many years after they are gone.
This authentic oil on canvas is dated on the back 1880. It is a gorgeous portrait of young boy with beautiful blue eyes. He’s wearing a cap, a white shirt, a jacket and a cloak. His hand is inserted into his pocket while he poses for the artist.
The artwork looks to have been done by an expert portrait artist, not an amateur. The colors are deep and rich, the expression serene and calm. Eyes, skin tone and clothing details are all done beautifully. The boy has a sweet heart shaped mouth, plump dimpled cheeks, and brownish red hair.
A local Hudson Valley antique collector consigned this portrait. The portrait is signed and dated on the back although I cannot make out much other then the date, February 1880.
The frame is newish, maybe about 10 or twenty years old.
Condition:
Painting is in very good condition. It is not dry rotted; there are no repairs, water damage or fading. There are a few small scratches in the lower left hand side of the portrait which I have taken a picture of.
Measurements. Portrait is large, nice size above a fireplace mantle or a place where it can make a statement. Frame: 30 ½ tall by 26” wide. Canvas: 25 ½” high by 21” wide.
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