EARLY 18TH CENTURY ENGLISH PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG GENTLEMAN - CIRCLE OF JOHN CLOSTERMAN.

A fine quality and highly decorative early 18th century English portrait of a young boy by an artist in the circle of John Closterman (1660-1711) 

The fresh faced young sitter is pictured half length within an sculpted oval cartouche. He wears the traditional costume of aristocratic young gentlemen of the period, namely a shimmering rose pink velvet jacket with gilt fastenings, a white shirt and stock, and around his shoulders is a dramatic and highly fashionable ice blue cloak.

Wigless and with his own hair unpowered, he has the air of an individual who is completely at ease. With his body and head slightly inclined he gazes sensitively at the viewer with no trace of arrogance.  He is the very model of a charming and elegantly dressed gentleman..in miniature! 

John Closterman (1660-1711)  Closterman was born in Osnabruck, the son of an artist. He studied under his father until he moved to Paris in 1679 to work with the portraitist Francois de Troy. In 1681 Closterman arrived in England and began a partnership with established painter John Riley. By 1683 Closterman had established an independent practice; where he became adept at pictures that combined baroque poses . They also had a slight French influence, evidenced in this portrait by the unusual pink and bllue colours of the sitters robes.

Closterman's clients included some of the leading writers, artists, musicians and physicians of the day, and as his reputation grew he garnered aristocratic patrons, including the Dukes of Somerset and Marlborough. His last documented picture is dated 1704, and he devoted his last years to dealing in Old Master paintings. An exhibition of his work was held by the National Portrait Gallery in 1981 under the title of 'Master of the Baroque Portrait'. 

Higher resolution images on request. 
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Canvas: 30.5" x 25" / 77cm x 64cm.            Frame: 36" x 31" / 92cm x 79cm.