Object of the Day: An Antique Portrait

This was one of the first—if not the first—portrait I ever bought. I found his grim expression and the rather spooky composition to be quite fascinating. When I bought this painting, I wasn’t terribly concerned with signatures and provenance. I was just thrilled to have an antique painting. I don’t know who he is, who painted him, where he comes from, or anything, really, about him. But, still, he’s a nice looking, sour-faced gentleman, and I like him.


I’d guess this was painted between 1870 and the late 1890’s. It’s got some spots where it has been repaired over time, but that doesn’t really bother me. The face is sensitively painted with well-rendered eyes peering out from above his bushy beard.

The fact that I know very little about him is somewhat appealing. He hangs in my study, looking over my shoulder while I type for ten hours a day. He’s now known as “The Study Guy.” If he had any other name, he’s not telling.