Antique French Portrait Oil Painting – 19th Century, Original Canvas, Gold Framed

This elegant mid-19th century French portrait, dated 1842, depicts a young boy of nine years old, presented with remarkable sensitivity and refinement. The sitter is shown in a composed three-quarter view, dressed in formal attire with a crisp white collar and dark jacket. His expression is calm and self-assured, with a direct gaze that gives the portrait a strong emotional presence. The artist has carefully modelled the face using soft tonal transitions, capturing the youthful features with subtlety and precision. The delicate handling of light across the skin contrasts beautifully with the darker background, allowing the figure to emerge with clarity. Particularly notable is the naturalistic rendering of the eyes and mouth, which lend the portrait a lifelike quality.

What makes this piece especially compelling is the presence of inscriptions on the reverse, including the birth date of the sitter and the date of the painting (1842). This rare detail anchors the work firmly in time and adds a strong historical and personal dimension.

The painting has recently undergone a professional restoration, including cleaning and the application of a new varnish, bringing back the depth and clarity of the original surface. Presented in an ornate gilt frame, which complements the classical character of the portrait.

French School
Oil on canvas / panel
Dated 1842 (inscribed verso)
Portrait of a young boy (approx. 9 years old)
Inscriptions on reverse
Recently cleaned and revarnished
Gilt frame

Sizing incl Frame:
Height: 20.08 inch (51cm)
Width: 16.14 inch (41cm)
Depth: 2.76 inch (7cm)

Sizing Painting:
Height: 12.80 inch (32.5cm)
Width: 9.45 inch (24cm)

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Insurance:
All products are shipped in good boxes and very well packaged.

All products are shipped fully insured for international shipping. In the very rare event that a product does not arrive or arrives damaged, you will receive a full refund for the product.

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.