Godfrey Kneller (Lubecca 1646 - London 1723) Circle of
Portrait of gentleman in a garden

Oil on canvas

67 x 47 cm. - framed 84 x 64 cm.

The painting depicts a noblematic portrait with a whole figure and dressed in classic clothes, intertwined sandals and sitting at the base of a stone fountain; It is immortalized in a lush garden with a potted pot full of rich flowery bouquet and one in terracotta containing a mandarin plant.

It is a type of portrait that is widespread among the nobility, especially English, in the six and eighteenth centuries, where the effigy loved to be ridden of its tinsels, without pompous clothes, fashionable accessories or elaborate hairstyles, this to demonstrate that its status and its value did not depend only on material wealth exhibited with opulence.

In the XVII and eighteenth century England, citrus trees such as the one depicted were often grown in large vessels, held outside during the summer and transported again inside, in heated aranciere, for the winter. Therefore the inclusion of this fruit in this portrait is an indication of the wealth and social status of man, by virtue of the great difficulties with which it was cultivated.

The painting must therefore be combined with an English painter active around six and eighteenth centuries, orbiting in particular in the circle of Sir Godfrey Kneller, official painter of the Court of England and considered, together with Peter Lely and Willem Wissing, among the masters of English portraiture between the '600 and' 700. 

He painted every British sovereign in charge, from King Charles II to Giorgio I, as well as the most important figures of British society and public life. These works, exhibited in the royal palaces, were admired and so appreciated by the public, to induce a large group of clients, mainly nobles, to want his shop to deal with his family portraits.

Below we mention some of his portraits, who like our exhibition some members of the British high aristocracy immortalized in lush gardens often accompanied by natural elements such as flowers and plants in place of rich jewelry and precious fabrics. Among these, on a comparative title, the portrait of Prince William, Duke of Gloucester (1693), of the Countess Caterina of Dorchester (1685), by John Cecil Quinto Count of Exter (1696), and still the portrait of James Cecil, Conte of Salisbury.

Additional information:

The work is complete with a pleasant golden frame and is sold with certificate of authenticity and guarantee.

We take care of and organize the transport of the works purchased, both for Italy and for foreign countries, through professional and insured carriers.

You can also see the painting in the Riva del Garda gallery, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

In the event of the purchase of the work by non -Italian customers, it will be necessary to obtain a permit for export that requires about 15/20 days, our gallery will deal with the whole phase until it is obtained. All costs of this procedure are included.

Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.