ENGLISH SCHOOL c. 1625 - PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN IN A DARK EMBROIDERED DOUBLET AND WHITE RUFF.

Fine quality early 17th century English school portrait of a gentleman in a dark embroidered doublet and white linen falling band or collar.

The handsome sitter is depicted bust-length against a dark background. He is of fair complexion, with short reddish-brown hair, a prominent moustache and a neatly trimmed goatee. With a calm and confident air he gazes slightly to the right to greet the eyes of the viewer.

His richly detailed costume is characteristic of the Jacobean era and includes a dark, textured high collared doublet which has an all over geometric decorative pattern. It is front fastening and further adorned with a row of tiny gilt buttons. Around his neck is a prominent, wide white pleated and fan shaped collar which would have required careful laundering and starching. The fact that this fashionable accessory was also high maintenance is a further signal as to the sitters elevated status.

The fine weave canvas that has been chosen as the substrate for this work speaks for this portraits quality. It has allowed the artist to capture the intricate, linear details of the lace ruff and the texture of the sitters doublet.

The colour palette of this portrait is restrained and typical of the Jacobean period as is the soft directional light employed by the artist. It spreads across the left of the sitters face creating subtle shadows which help to further define his masculine features. The work has a dark background which also enables us to focus our attention entirely on the status and dignity of the sitter.

This engaging and atmospheric work is in an excellent state of conservation and it is housed in a wonderful shell topped, gilded antique baroque style frame, which is itself a work of art.

Canvas: 20in x 15in / 50cm x 38cm. Framed: 26.5in x 22in / 67cm x 56cm.

Price: £11950