Studio RT Ltd

Description

We are delighted to offer for sale this skillfully executed WWI or Great War portrait in oils. The bust length portrait depicts a Major-General of the Austro-Hungarian Army, probably in his fifties, due to his steel grey hair and white moustache. As he is wearing a uniform of field grey, or Feld-Grau, the portrait must date to after 1915. This is also born out by the pockets on the uniform jacket, which were added later in the war. He is wearing an officer's kepi, with its shiny leather band and peak, with strap, buckle and gilt adornments. His rank is denoted by his collar which is patterned gold, with the addition of a single silver star, although the star, in fact, is meant to depict an edelweiss flower. He is wearing a Military Merit Cross on his left breast, that must have been awarded before the war, as it does not bear the laurel wreath which was added for war service.

Sadly the painting is unsigned, although the canvas is marked with a circular black ink stamp, it is illegible. It is our opinion that the artist was from the region, but can only be commended for his abilities, as the depiction of the subject's head and face is excellent and brings the Major-General to life. It is a truly brillant portrait.

The painting has been newly framed in a 2 3/4 inch black lacquered frame with red oxide line. It will be supplied with new brass hangers, new brass picture wire and will be ready to hang.

Image size: 26 1/2 x 21 1/4 inches - 67.3cm x 54cm

Frame size: 32 x 26 3/4 inches - 81.3cm x 68cm

Medium: Oils on hessian backed canvas

Condition: Very good,. The surface is clean and there is no craquelure, stretcher marks or paint loss. The frame is new.