18th Century French School, Portrait Of An Aristocrat From The Louis XVI Directory Period

18th century French School, portrait of an aristocrat wearing a red English-style outfit with a blue collar and silver buttons and a very fine lace tie. Posing in three-quarter view, our handsome man also wears a gold earring. The oval-sized oil on canvas portrait is presented in its original molded oak frame gilded with fine gold, with its original wrought iron ring. Late 18th century, 1790s.

Beautiful painting, very well executed, the subject is a handsome man, the red jacket creates a very colorful effect. The presence of the earring  was fashionable at the very end of the 18th century, including even the highest social classes. It is usually associated to sailors, (with two possible interpretations: to mean that the sailor has traveled a lot, and in particular crossed the equator, or to serve to pay for a decent grave in the event that the sailor perishes far from home), or as a sign of recognition of the Free Mansonry of the 18th century.

in excellent condition, painting and frame were cleaned.

Frame dimensions: 72.7 by 87.5cm
Canvas dimensions: 57 by 72cm