Pair of Antique French Portraits by Alexandre Hesse (1806–1879). Husband & Wife. Dated 1868

A magnificent pair of 19th century French portraits painted by Alexandre Hesse (1806–1879), a celebrated Parisian portraitist and academic painter. Dated 1868, these refined husband-and-wife portraits retain their original richly carved gilt frames and exemplify the grace and sophistication of Second Empire portraiture.

This exceptional pair of portrait paintings captures a lovely couple with remarkable dignity and clarity. The female sitter wears a pale blue silk gown with lace detailing, her hairstyle and fashion perfectly in line with mid-19th-century French elegance. The man is portrayed in formal black attire with a white cravat, his expression poised and introspective.

Both works are painted with the delicate modelling and soft atmospheric background characteristic of Alexandre Hesse, an artist admired for his mastery of facial expression and fine detail. The portraits are dated 1868 and remain preserved in their original period gilt frames, richly decorated with acanthus, floral motifs and deeply sculpted corners — an exquisite ensemble rarely found intact.

Alexandre Hesse was a prominent painter of the Paris Salon whose clientele included the French elite. His works are held today in major museums (see bio below), and portraits by his hand are increasingly sought after for their refinement, historical interest and impeccable technique.

French School — Second Empire period
Oil on canvas
Signed and dated 1868
Alexandre Hesse (1806–1879)
Original 19th-century gilt frames

Condition
Excellent antique condition with gentle age to the surfaces and original frames. Small bits of craquelure and small touch-ups typical of paintings of this age. Frames have had a some repairs in their history and show authentic patina, nothing out of the ordinary. These paintings have been to our restorer for a professional cleaning, varnish removal and new varnish applied. Please see all photos

Sizing incl Frame:
Height: 17.32 inch (44cm)
Width: 14.96 inch (38cm)
Depth: 2.17 inch (5.5cm)

Sizing:
Height: 10.63 inch (27cm)
Width: 8.46 inch (21.5cm)

Artist Bio — Alexandre Hesse (1806–1879)
Alexandre-Jean-Baptiste Hesse was a distinguished 19th-century French painter born in Paris in 1806. Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts under Baron Gros and his own father, Henri-Joseph Hesse (a known miniaturist), he became a respected portraitist and painter of historical and religious scenes. Hesse exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon beginning in 1831 and earned several distinctions over his long career.

Hesse’s works are represented in numerous major museums, including:
• Musée du Louvre, Paris
• Musée d’Orsay, Paris
• Musée Carnavalet, Paris
• Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseille
• Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen
• Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux
• Musée des Augustins, Toulouse
• Chambéry Museum of Fine Arts
• Versailles (Musée National du Château)

He received public commissions for churches and civic buildings and became known for his refined, psychologically sensitive portraiture. Today his works are admired for their technical precision, subtle expressions and high academic finish.

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Imports and a “Duty Free” classification:
Antique paintings (+100 Years) are "Duty Free" within the USA, Canada, Australia and the European Union, you should NOT be charged any additional taxes for import and duty. As nearly all items in the shop are over 100 years old and classified as “antique” or “antique art” the objects are considered “Duty Free”. Amsterdam Curated will provide the appropriate certifications for the customs officials to ensure all qualified items will be shipped with this “Duty Free” classification. In the UK, it is not "FREE" but there is a reduced VAT of 5% paid at import.