Painting, Pastel Portrait Of A Boy – Signed "e. Gillet 1867"
Artist: E. Gillet
Painting, Pastel Portrait of a Boy – Signed "E. Gillet 1867"
Description of the Work
A fine pastel painting from the Napoleonic III era, dated 1867 and bearing the signature of the artist E. Gillet, a sensitive and technically skilled interpreter of French portraiture from the second half of the 19th century.
The work depicts a half-length portrait of a boy with noble and delicate features, characterized by softly wavy blond hair and a gaze of extraordinary expressive intensity. The subject wears a gown in shades of antique coral pink, complemented by a white shirt with a finished collar.
The pastel technique is executed with masterful skill: the chiaroscuro effects on the skin are velvety, and the shades of the background—which shift from blue-gray to neutral tones—create a suspended, poetic atmosphere typical of high-end bourgeois portraiture from the second half of the 19th century.
The Frame
The portrait is housed within its splendid contemporary oval frame made of gilded wood.
The piece stands out for its opulent upper cornice, finely crafted in the shape of a knotted bow from which sinuous, undulating ribbons extend, gently caressing the upper edge of the frame.
The inner edge features rich repoussé engraving with geometric and foliage motifs, interrupted by a dark outline that lends exceptional visual depth to the painting.
The work is protected by its original period glass. The back of the painting is a true historical document: it retains the original contemporary paper label from the renowned firm “Victor Thorel – Fabrique de Cadres Dorés & Autres,” located at the famous historic address of 27 Quai de l’Archevêché in Lyon.
The presence of this label not only certifies the authenticity and integrity of the frame but also places the work within the prestigious circle of Second Empire-era collecting and high-end craftsmanship in Lyon.
Technical Details
* Artist: E. Gillet (Signed and dated on the side)
* Period: 1867 (Napoleon III era / Second Empire)
* Dimensions: 70 x 50.5 cm – thickness 10 cm
* Medium: Pastel
* Subject: Child portrait
* Frame: Included, gilded wood with a neoclassical bow-shaped cornice
* Condition: Good overall condition. The pastel retains magnificent color vibrancy. The frame retains its splendid original patina.
Notes for the Art Market
The presence of the signature and the confirmed date (1867) makes this portrait a piece of definite collector’s interest and one that is easily placed within its historical context.
Pastel works from this period, especially when set in frames of such high decorative impact and artisanal quality, are timeless decorative pieces, ideal for enhancing gallery walls, art studios, or prestigious reception areas.
Description of the Work
A fine pastel painting from the Napoleonic III era, dated 1867 and bearing the signature of the artist E. Gillet, a sensitive and technically skilled interpreter of French portraiture from the second half of the 19th century.
The work depicts a half-length portrait of a boy with noble and delicate features, characterized by softly wavy blond hair and a gaze of extraordinary expressive intensity. The subject wears a gown in shades of antique coral pink, complemented by a white shirt with a finished collar.
The pastel technique is executed with masterful skill: the chiaroscuro effects on the skin are velvety, and the shades of the background—which shift from blue-gray to neutral tones—create a suspended, poetic atmosphere typical of high-end bourgeois portraiture from the second half of the 19th century.
The Frame
The portrait is housed within its splendid contemporary oval frame made of gilded wood.
The piece stands out for its opulent upper cornice, finely crafted in the shape of a knotted bow from which sinuous, undulating ribbons extend, gently caressing the upper edge of the frame.
The inner edge features rich repoussé engraving with geometric and foliage motifs, interrupted by a dark outline that lends exceptional visual depth to the painting.
The work is protected by its original period glass. The back of the painting is a true historical document: it retains the original contemporary paper label from the renowned firm “Victor Thorel – Fabrique de Cadres Dorés & Autres,” located at the famous historic address of 27 Quai de l’Archevêché in Lyon.
The presence of this label not only certifies the authenticity and integrity of the frame but also places the work within the prestigious circle of Second Empire-era collecting and high-end craftsmanship in Lyon.
Technical Details
* Artist: E. Gillet (Signed and dated on the side)
* Period: 1867 (Napoleon III era / Second Empire)
* Dimensions: 70 x 50.5 cm – thickness 10 cm
* Medium: Pastel
* Subject: Child portrait
* Frame: Included, gilded wood with a neoclassical bow-shaped cornice
* Condition: Good overall condition. The pastel retains magnificent color vibrancy. The frame retains its splendid original patina.
Notes for the Art Market
The presence of the signature and the confirmed date (1867) makes this portrait a piece of definite collector’s interest and one that is easily placed within its historical context.
Pastel works from this period, especially when set in frames of such high decorative impact and artisanal quality, are timeless decorative pieces, ideal for enhancing gallery walls, art studios, or prestigious reception areas.
1 600 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Louis Philippe, Charles 10th
Condition: Good condition
Material: Pastel
Width: cm. 50,5
Height: cm. 70
Depth: cm. 10
Reference (ID): 1841648
Availability: In stock
Print
