European school (XIX) - Portrait Paar von Ehemann und Ehefrau - NO RESERVE

Unknown artist (19th century)

older married couple
Technique: oil on canvas
Dimensions: 55.5 × 42.5 cm (with frame), 39 × 26 cm (without frame)

Description
The present pair of paintings depicts two finely detailed bust portraits of an older married couple. The two portraits are set against a semi-dark background, which makes the faces stand out plastically and directs the viewer's attention entirely to the expressive physiognomy of the subjects.

The men's portrait shows an older man with white hair and a lively expression, looking sideways with a mischievous smile. He wears a blue-toned cap and a simple brown coat. A straw, which he casually holds between his lips, emphasizes the folksy, humorous character of the depiction.

The portrait of a woman shows an older lady with white hair, peeking out from under a blue patterned headscarf. Her friendly, slightly mischievous gaze, accentuated by a small, fine pair of glasses, lends warmth and humanity to the depiction. Her clothing is carefully observed and features a brown patterned cloak.

Both portraits are executed in a similar, careful technique and clearly belong together as counterparts. The warm tones, gentle lighting, and focus on individual facial features characterize the works.

artistic classification
The diptych can be classified within the genre and character study painting of the 19th century, as cultivated particularly in the German, Dutch, and French schools. Artists such as Adriaan de Lelie, Josef Matthias Trenkwald, Louis Ammy Blanc, or artists from the circle around the Düsseldorf School of Painting produced similar humorous yet sensitively observed character portraits.

Particularly typical are:

the dark backgrounds

the light modeling of the skin

the friendly, anecdotal expression of the characters

and the emphasis on individual facial features.

These works are among the character studies that were popular in the 19th century and were often created in pairs to depict everyday types or rural characters.

state
The paintings are in good, age-appropriate condition. The surfaces show occasional minor, unobtrusive signs of aging, as is typical for works from the 19th century. The magnificent, richly decorated gold frames are original or contemporary and show signs of use and small knocks, but overall they present very attractively and are ready to hang.

Shipping note
Shipping is carried out insured, quickly, and carefully packed by a professional shipping service. The frame is included free of charge and is part of the delivery, but it does not constitute part of the artwork offered in a legal sense. No liability can be accepted for any transport damages to the frame.