American Revolution, French Revolution, the last half of 1700s was a turbulent time, and that slightly nervous look on this gentleman seems a natural enough expression. Certainly a courtier in the time of ill-fated King Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette, his elegant attire alone would have made him also a target. When I have these very old ones, clad in such finery, I have to wonder if their fate was also the guillotine. We can't know. I do not have an ID for this man of high position, in his gold embroidered vest, his lace cravat, and blue velvet coat. Sadly, the artist whose skill captured this man in that moment did not sign the work, and so all we have is this small remnant of a life in an interesting time.
Very good condition for age and type. You can see it's been cared for. Someone's lauded ancestor. The frame is in very fine condition, and the old original cover glass remains. There is a very light moisture moisture disruption above and left of his gray hair, indicating someone cleaned the glass with a bit too damp a cloth, leaving a tiny bit to seep under the cover glass. Not much, but bears mention. A wonderful and early image. Measurements are noted on the photos.
