Bror Kronstrand

Bror Kronstrand, Portrait Of Brita Söderberg, Oil Painting

1934

This fine early 19th-century English oil painting depicts Samuel Jones of Skeyton, Norfolk, smartly attired in a black coat with white cravat. The portrait was previously in the coll...

This exquisite early 18th-century half-length portrait depicts a young lady taking snuff from a silver holder. Stylistically, it’s reminiscent of works by French painter, Jacques Fra...

This enchanting late 17th-century French oil painting depicts an elegant gentleman in a silk robe with his right index finger on an open book. Stylistically, it’s comparable to the oeuvre of Jacques d'Agar (1640-1715). Dressed in a rather ostentatious embroidered silk robe...

This early 19th-century half-length portrait attributed to British artist George Clint ARA (1770-1854) depicts a young lady wearing a beautiful brown dress, bonnet decorated with small flowers, gold earrings and coral necklace. Clint was a distinguished painter and mezzotint engraver predominantly known for portraiture and dramatic scenes. Set before an evocative classically-inspired backdrop, she looks out from across the centuries with a composed demeanour. Adorned in the latest fashions, oversized ‘gigot’ sleeves, a delicately-poised bonnet, and a coral necklace for good luck. It’s a charming portrayal by a masterful hand. Born at Drury Lane, in the heart of London’s West End, George Clint was destined to lead an exuberant life amid the spectacle of theatreland. His father, Michael Clint, was a hairdresser during a time of “hair pomatum, whalebone, wire, lace gauze, and feathers” - so young George would have encountered a variety of ‘characters’ during his childhood. But despite these elevated surroundings, he soon discovered the darker side of London when thrust into the world of employment. Apprenticed initially as a fishmonger, he trained under a ferocious master who was known to beat him. The hours were unsocial, the conditions rank, and the work was brutal. He soon quit but subsequently found himself toiling for a corrupt attorney who demanded he undertake unscrupulous acts on his behalf. Seeking a less volatile role, he turned next to house painting, at which he excelled. Commissioned, among other projects, to paint the stones of the arches in the nave of Westminster Abbey. Aside from an incident whereby he almost fell from the second story of a building, all was going well. Following his marriage in 1792 to Sarah Coxhead, a farmer’s daughter, he began work in earnest as a painter of miniatures, determined to forge a career. Robert William Buss’ memoir celebrates Clint’s success as a miniaturist, stating that “great manual excellence was united with that chaste, delicate feeling for female beauty which characterised all Mr. Clint's portraits of ladies.” Until this point, it appears he was predominantly self-taught, presumably constrained by a lack of finances. But from hereon in, his industrious nature coupled with several fortunate encounters, led to him developing an enviable talent for both painting and engraving. During the early 19th-century, the acquaintances one kept could make or break your fortunes and perhaps acutely aware of this, Clint’s ‘society’ was an ever-evolving circle of influential personalities. He was “initiated into the mysteries of engraving” by Edward Bell (act.1794-1819) and produced numerous works after the foremost artists, such as George Stubbs, John Hoppner, and Thomas Lawrence. Following a commission from Lawrence, he struck up a long-term friendship. Admired for his skill as a mezzotint engraver, he sought next to hone his technique in oils and, as with many aspiring portraitists, his first work in this respect was a depiction of his beloved wife. The pair were both delighted with it, yet over time Clint began to doubt himself and sought the validation of a superior hand - that of Sir William Beechey (1753-1839). However, paralysed with insecurity, he couldn’t face the potential criticism, so his wife took it instead - “with a child under one arm and the portrait in the other”. The result was immeasurably more positive than he’d envisaged and he became closely associated with Beechey until his death in 1839. Numerous commissions followed from the landed gentry including Lord Egremont, Lord Spencer, and Lord Essex. But also from the theatrical community who would fill his studio at 83 Gower Street, Bloomsbury. His connections within the world of acting led to notable works such as ‘Malvolio and Sir Toby’ (from William Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night', Act II, Scene iii)’ and ‘Harriet Smithson as Miss Dorillon, in Wives as They Were, and Maids as They Are’. While his efforts in mezzotint included several contributions to JMW Turner’s Liber Studiorum. As a measure of his success, Clint was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1821 - a position he later relinquished for personal reasons. Today, he’s represented in numerous public collections including at The British Museum, Harvard Art Museums, The Met, V&A, Yale Center for British Art, and the National Portrait Gallery. “The respect in which he was held, not only by his brother artists, but by an immense number of eminent men in various professions, and others of the highest rank, was the result of a rare combination of talent, candour, suavity of manner, and integrity of purpose”. [Obituary, 1854]. Housed in a period gilt frame, which is probably original. Learn more about George Clint ARA in our directory. Labels & Inscriptions: Supplier’s stencil from Rowney & Forster. The National Portrait Gallery holds a database of supplier’s stencils over the decades. The one here is also presented on two other works by George Clint. ‘Falstaff’s Assignation with Mrs Ford...

Title: Virgin Mary and Child Jesus Artist: Francisco Ribera Gómez (1907-1990) Technique: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 31.9 x 25.6 inches (unframed) Date of creation: 1942 Style: Classical Academicism with Renaissance influences Description of the Artwork The painting depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus in a tender and intimate moment. Warm colors, primarily reds, greens, and soft flesh tones, enhance the devotional nature of the scene. The use of golden halos, symbolizing sanctity, along with serene and realistic expressions, directly connects with the Renaissance pictorial tradition. The style belongs to classical academicism, characterized by a balanced composition, meticulous drawing, and a masterful use of chiaroscuro to give volume and depth to the figures. The detailed rendering of the flesh tones and draperies amplifies the spirituality and solemnity of the piece, evoking the works of great masters such as Raphael and Murillo. Artist's Biography Francisco Ribera Gómez (1907-1990) was a prominent 20th-century Spanish painter known for his depictions of religious scenes, female portraits, and costumbrist works. Trained at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, Ribera Gómez received numerous accolades and was regarded as one of the great exponents of Spanish academicism. His work combines a rigorous technical foundation with luminous sensitivity and an idealized sense of beauty. Influences and Comparisons Francisco Ribera Gómez's work can be compared to other academic and religious artists who share a similar aesthetic: Bartolomé Esteban Murillo: In the emotional and approachable treatment of religious themes. William-Adolphe Bouguereau: For the idealization of human figures and technical mastery. Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio): For harmonious composition and the depiction of the Virgin Mary. Within the Spanish tradition, his style recalls Eduardo Rosales...

Title: Woman Selling Fruit Author: Rosendo González Carbonell Technique and Support: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 31.9 x 25.6 in (unframed) Period: 1970s Style: Costumbrist realism with impressionist influences Condition: Part of a private collection Description of the Artwork The painting portrays a woman holding a basket filled with fruit, notably apples and pears, focusing on warm and dark contrasts that add depth and realism to the composition. The artist creates an intimate atmosphere, skillfully manipulating light to highlight the woman's facial features and the textures of the fruit. The figure’s attire evokes a classical style, likely inspired by costumbrist themes. Rosendo González Carbonell, renowned for his focus on traditional scenes and female figures, employs in this piece loose yet precise brushstrokes, creating dynamism that enhances the composition. The warm hues of the fruit and the serene expression of the woman reflect the artist’s intention to capture a moment of everyday life with sensitivity and expressiveness. Author’s Biography Rosendo González Carbonell (Barcelona, 1910 - 1984) was a Spanish painter recognized for his focus on female figures, portraits, and landscapes. He studied at the Acadèmia de Belles Arts de Sabadell under the mentorship of Mayoral and Antoni Alsina i Amils and also attended the "Llotja" art academy in Barcelona. He was a disciple of Bonaventura Puig Perucho and maintained a close friendship with painter Alejandro Huerta Lucas. He participated in the National Fine Arts Exhibitions held in Barcelona in 1942 and 1944. His work reflects the tradition of Catalan painters such as Joaquim Mir and Santiago Rusiñol, as well as influences from impressionist masters like Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro. González Carbonell often depicted small villages, rural churches, and tranquil landscapes, balancing meticulous detail with impressionist brushstrokes that bring his compositions to life. Similar Artists González Carbonell shares artistic sensitivities with other renowned painters who captured the essence of landscapes and human figures through light and color: Joaquim Mir: Renowned for his luminous interpretations of the Catalan landscape. Santiago Rusiñol: Famous for his delicate depictions of rural scenes and local architecture. Josep Amat...

Title of the Artwork: Odalisque with Tray Artist: Rosendo González Carbonell Technique: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 24 x 20 inches Frame: Unframed Style: Figurative, focusing on the fe...

This exquisite genre painting showcases a darling slice of life for a young woman in the Belle Epoque era. Dressed in a frilly frock made of detailed lace, and wearing a v shaped pin...