Attributed to Karl Jakob Seybold, Portrait of a 17th century Gentleman

Oil on arched panel; 10 by 8 in; 25.5 x 20 cm; held in an ebonised 17th century style frame
Provenance: Private Collection, England

This charming study of a young man depicted in the clothes of the mid 17th century displays the soft tones and brushwork which are key features of the work of Karl Jakob Seybold, an Austrian artist known for his religious compositions and portraits.

Little is actually known about Seybold other than he was active in Vienna from about 1805 to 1821 and seems to have made a satisfactory living from portraiture. Given that the sitter is depicted in 17th century attire it is possible that in this instance he was commissioned to paint this portrait for a family group that needed the inclusion of an earlier relation to make sense schematically. Whatever the reason, the artist has risen to the occasion and produced colourful, highly finished work that demonstrate his abilities as a painter and miniaturist.