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Oil Painting of a Military Officer
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18th Century Oil on Canvas Portrait, Major Alexander Brown in Military Uniform.

1799

About the Item

18th Century Military portrait of a young officer in Napoleonic period military dress. The painting is not signed but the subject is Major Alexander Brown. The work is oil on canvas later mounted on board and presented in a fine 'Regence style' carved gilt frame. There are labels to the back referring to the subject, 'Major Brown of Trinity' and a framers trade label from Edinburgh. A magnificent and imposing portrait of a young military officer in the prime of his life. His red uniform adorned with fine buttons, fringed epaulettes and high gilt collar. His ruddy complexion offset by his stylish hair, a quiff and swept forward to the sides as was the fashion at the time. Sir David Wilkie RA (18 November 1785 – 1 June 1841) was a Scottish painter, especially known for his portraits, including formal royal ones, and scenes from his travels to Europe and the Middle East. He painted successfully in a wide variety of genres, including historical scenes. His main base was in London, but he died and was buried at sea, off Gibraltar, returning from his first trip to the Middle East. He was sometimes known as the "people's painter". He was Principal Painter in Ordinary to King William IV and Queen Victoria. Apart from royal portraits, his best-known painting today is probably The Chelsea Pensioners Reading the Waterloo Dispatch of 1822 in Apsley House. Sir David Wilkie was actually admitted in 1799 (despite only being 14) through the influence of the Earl of Leven Wilkie to the Trustees' Academy in Edinburgh, part of the University of Edinburgh and some of his earliest works are portraits. The subject of the painting, Major Alexander Brown of Longformacus was born in 1776 (and died in 1858) so this portrait was painted when he was 23. Later in life he became a member of the East India Company where he gained his fortune and reputation. There is a portrait of Major Brown painted 50 years later by William Smellie Watson in the National Gallery in Scotland.
  • Creation Year:
    1799
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 30.71 in (78 cm)Width: 25.6 in (65 cm)Depth: 0.79 in (2 cm)
  • Medium:
    Canvas,Oil,Board
  • Movement & Style:
    Old Masters
  • Circle Of:
    Sir David Wilkie
  • Period:
    Late 18th Century
  • Condition:
    The painting is oil on canvas later laid on board, some areas of overpainting.
  • Gallery Location:
    Cotignac, FR
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: LG/AlexanderBrown1stDibs: LU143029584122