English School C. 1625 - Portrait Of A Gentleman In A Dark Embroidered Doublet And White Ruff.

Fine quality early 17th century English school portrait of a gentleman in a dark embroidered doublet and white linen flalling band or collar.

The handsome sitter is depicted bust-length against a dark background. He is of fair complexion, with short reddish-brown hair, a prominent moustache and a neatly trimmed goatee. With a calm and confident air he gazes slightly to the right to greet the eyes of the viewer.

His richly detailed costume is characteristic of the Jacobean era and includes a dark, richly textured high collared doublet (likely made of silk or wool) which has an all over geometric decorative pattern. It is front fastening and further adorned with a row of tiny gilt buttons.

Around his neck is a prominent, wide white pleated and fan shaped collar which would have required careful laundering and starching. The fact that this highly fashionable accessory was also high maintenance is a further signal as to the sitters high status.

The restrained colours used throughout this portrait (mostly very dark or black tones) are typical of portraiture of the Jacobean and they were associated with wealth, sobriety and social status. Black dyes were expensive so clothing such as our sitter wears often indicated high social standing.

The fine weave canvas that has been chosen as the substrate for this work speaks for this portraits quality. It has allowed the artist to capture the intricate, linear details of the lace ruff and the texture of the sitters doublet.

The colour palette of this historic portrait is restrained and typical of the period as is the soft directional light he employed by the artist. It spreads across the left of the sitters face creating subtle shadows which further define his masculine features. The work has a dark background which further focusses attention entirely on the dignity and status of the sitter.

This engaging and atmospheric work is in an excellent taste of conservation and it is housed in a later baroque style shell topped carved and gilded frame which is itself a work of art.

Canvas: 20in x 15in / 50cm x 38cm. Framed: 26.5in x 22in / 67cm x 56cm.