Godfrey Kneller (1646 – 1723) cerchia

Circle of Godfrey Kneller (Lubecca 1646 – London 1723) Portrait of a gentleman in a garden. Oil on canvas. 67 x 47 cm - Framed 84 x 64 cm. FULL DETAILS (click HERE) The painting depicts a nobleman portrayed full-length, dressed in classic robes, woven sandals and sitting at the base of a stone fountain; he is immortalized in a lush garden with a vase overflowing with a rich floral bouquet and a terracotta pot containing a mandarin plant. This is a type of portrait very popular among the nobility, especially English, in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, where the effigy loved to contemplate himself stripped of his trappings, without pompous clothes, fashionable accessories or elaborate hairstyles; this was to demonstrate status and worth didn't solely depend to the material wealth exhibited with opulence. In 17th and 18th century England, citrus trees such as the one depicted were often grown in large pots, kept outside during the summer and transported back inside, into heated orangeries, for the winter. Therefore, the inclusion of such a fruit in this portrait is an indication of the man's wealth and social status, by virtue of the great difficulties with which it was cultivated. The painting should therefore be compared to an English painter active around between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, orbiting in particular in the circle of Sir Godfrey Kneller, official painter of the court of England and considered, together with Peter Lely and Willem Wissing, among the masters of English portraiture between the 17th and 18th centuries. He painted every British sovereign during his reign, from King Charles II to George I, as well as the most important figures in British society and public life. These works, exhibited in the royal palaces, were admired and so appreciated by the public, that they induced a large number of clients, mainly nobles, to want his workshop to take care of their family portraits. Below we mention some of his portraits, which, like ours, show some members of the British high aristocracy immortalized in lush gardens, often accompanied by natural elements such as flowers and plants instead of rich jewels and precious fabrics. Among these, for comparative purposes, the portrait of Prince William, Duke of Gloucester (1693), of Countess Catherine of Dorchester (1685), of John Cecil fifth Earl of Exeter (1696), and also the portrait of James Cecil, Earl of Salisbury (https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw38421/James-Cecil-5th-Earl-of-Salisbury). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is complete with a pleasant golden frame and is sold with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee. We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian customers, it will be necessary to obtain an export permit which takes approximately 15/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase up to obtaining it. All costs of this procedure are included. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/