This small oil portrait appears to date from the late 19th century, when military officers often commissioned portraits to commemorate their service. The soldier is wearing a traditional French képi, and dark double-breasted military tunic. Most special -- he appears to be decorated with the Legion of Honour. The red and gold
képi, with brass buttons and piping along with the well-groomed mustache place him in the Third Republic (between 1870 and 1914).
The painting remains in an original or period-appropriate cove-style wooden frame. The modest scale but strong personality of the Officer were part of what drew me to him (it).
Material
Oil painting with carved wooden frame
Dimensions
12.5" H. x 11" W
Collected Along the Way
I found this petite painting of a French Officer in the back corner of a booth in a small brocante near the Place de Vosges. It was a cloudy Sunday morning and the streets in the Marais were dotted with tents and tables filled with treasures. The dealer was delighted to show us his collection of paintings and curiosities. I named this one “Jacque” after my little dog -- albeit only 1/2 Frenchie -- small, dignified every bit as courageous.
