German School, Portrait of a Gentleman

Pastel on paper; 10.5 by 9 ins; 27 x 22.5 cm; held in a period fruitwood frame
Provenance: English Collection

Whilst the art of pastel portraiture in Britain fell into relative decline by the second quarter of the 19th century in other European countries artists embraced the medium with gusto. Germany and France produced many talented, yet to us now, unknown portraitists in the medium. This particular portrait is deftly drawn and subtly observed, depicting a young man fashionably attired with frock coat, high waistcoat with black silk cravat. His engaging countenance is enhanced by the Romantic styled, unruly, swept hair and, unusually, an earring clearly visible on his right.