European school (XIX) - Vrijmetselaar

A beautiful, characterful antique oil portrait of a young gentleman, painted on a wooden panel and set in a well-worn frame. This portrait breathes pure history and is an absolute eye-catcher in any interior.

Thanks to the details on the back, this object can be beautifully traced to Paris in the early 19th century.

Unique historical details:

Dating & Initials: On the back of the panel there is an authentic, framed inscription bearing the year 1831, a five-pointed star and the initials EM (possibly the artist or an early inventory).

French Provenance: The back of the frame features a partly legible historical stamp from a Parisian frame-maker/art dealer: “M.me V.ve... Rue de Vannes 54, Paris”. Rue de Vannes was a narrow street in the 1st arrondissement that was demolished in the 1930s, which reinforces the authenticity and historical charm of this piece.

Symbolism: The young man wears the typical fashion of the early Romantic/Biedermeier period, with a striking insignia (a triangle in a circle/garland) on his jacket, which may indicate membership of a historic society such as Freemasonry.

Specifications:

Technique: Oil on wooden panel

Dimensions: 34 x 34 cm (outer size including frame - beautifully compact!)

Period: Early 19th century (dated 1831)

Condition: In beautiful antique condition with a very atmospheric, finely craquelé finish. The frame has a splendid lived-in patina that perfectly suits the brocante aesthetic.

A unique piece for the serious collector or lover of historical portraiture.