JOHN MICHAEL WRIGHT (1617 - 1694) - PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG GENTLEMAN IN ELABORATE COSTUME.

Fine and sensitively rendered portrait of a young gentleman c.1660 by an artist in the circle of John Michael Wright (1617-1694).

The elegant young sitter is depicted half-length wearing a doublet crafted from a luxurious, pale grey or taupe silk brocade which is woven with silver metallic threads to form subtle floral scrollwork. Under his doublet he sports a fine white linen shirt with voluminous, puffed and gathered sleeves and these are tied with delicate pale blue silk ribbon bows. His costume is secured by the fine twisted metallic passementerie cord which encircles his waist.

Perhaps the most impressive element of the sitters costume is his collar. This falling band/lace jabot is square-cut and rests flat over his neck and chest. Fashioned from the finest needlepoint or bobbin lace, it has been worked in relief (in contrast with the geometric designs of the earlier reticella. The intricate floral scrolling motifs we see here are typical of the Venetian or Flemish point lace popular amongst nobility in the 1660s.

His long hair cascades naturally over his shoulder with the front featuring a natural soft fringed parting - a popular style with young men of the period  before full powdered wigs became de riguer for older gentleman.

John Michael Wright (1617-1684). The son of a London tailor, John Michael Wright took the unusual step of serving his apprenticeship, from 1636, with George Jamesone in Edinburgh. In the early 1640s Wright went to Rome where he remained until 1656, becoming a member of the Academy of St Luke. On his return, he lived in London, but he travelled to Dublin in the late 1670s and to Rome in 1686. Wright worked on occasion for for the court and was appointed Picture Drawer in Ordinary to the King in 1673.

The artists sensitive use of characterisation and the restrained elegance with which he depicted Stuart grandeur, set him apart from from the high octane glamour of Sir Peter Lely making him one of the most distinctive British-born painters of the seventeenth century.

This painting is housed in a later silvered 17th century ‘lely’ style frame which has a wonderful mellow patina

Provenance: Private collection Washington State.

Higher resolution images on request. 
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Canvas: 70cm x 65cm. Framed: 86cm x 74cm.

Price: £14000