A characterful 19th-century portrait of a young boy, painted in oil on card and presented in a decorative gilt frame.

The sitter is depicted in three-quarter profile, wearing a dark jacket with a striking red necktie. His thoughtful expression, softly modelled features and restrained colour palette give the portrait a distinctive period charm. The dark background draws attention to the boy’s face and clothing.

The painting is unsigned and would make an appealing addition to a collection of antique portraiture, Victorian art or traditional interiors.

Antique condition with visible age-related wear. The card support has several cracks and splits, including a vertical split extending through the upper section of the portrait and horizontal cracking across the background and lower areas. There are surface marks, minor paint losses and signs of previous stabilisation or retouching.

The frame also displays general wear, rubbing, small marks and minor losses consistent with age.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description. The painting is offered in its present condition and has not been professionally restored or examined.

Dimensions

* Overall size: 31 × 28 cm (12.2 × 11 in)

* Actual painting size: 20 × 16 cm (7.9 × 6.3 in)