Oil on canvas
Dimensions with frame: 107 x 90 cm
Antique frame in carved gilded wood
Signed at the bottom right: A.Lafond
This superb official portrait, executed by François Alexandre Lafond (1815-1901), represents a man of high function - probably a magistrate, professor or university dean - in a red and black ceremonial dress, adorned with ermine fur and decorated with the Academic Palms, an honorary badge of public education.
The dignified expression and the solemn posture reflect all the seriousness of the order. The sober palette and the lighting play highlight the features of the model, all underlined by a richly carved, original old frame.
A characteristic work of the institutional painting of the Third Republic, of a high quality of execution, signed by a portraitist now rare but sought after by lovers of historical portraits.