Naive Portrait of a Gentleman - Oil on Panel, Circa 1780

A fantastic late 18th century oil on panel portrait of a gentleman, depicted in profile against a dark ground, housed in the original gilt oval frame. English, circa 1780.

Painted in the naive tradition, the work has an appealing directness and simplicity that is highly characteristic of provincial portrait painters working outside the London academic mainstream during the Georgian era. 

The sitter is shown with white powdered hair and dressed in a dark coat with white cravat, costume entirely consistent with fashionable dress of the late 18th century.

The flat profile format, reminiscent of classical medallion portraiture, lends the work a graphic strength and immediacy that gives it considerable decorative appeal.

The reverse is particularly pleasing - the oval panel and frame construction retain their original untouched patina - works of this type in original frames are becoming increasingly hard to find.

A superb example of English naive portraiture at its most appealing.