Portrait of an Officer, Dated 1896, oil on canvas
Carl Brasch (active 1896)
Huge fine 19th century three quarter length portrait of a gentleman. The individual is adorned with a plethora of orders and medals. The order with the red, green and white ribbon is the Bulgarian Order of Civil Merit (created 1891). The order with the white enamelled cross pattée topped by a royal crown is the Grand Cross Of The Order Of Saint Alexander (created 1881) and is the second highest Bulgarian order during the Kingdom of Bulgaria. The recipients of this order were all affiliated to military work with the exception of Zahari Stoyanov (1850-1889) who was a Bulgarian revolutionary, writer, and historian.
This masculine portrait is striking in quality and its virtuoso treatment of light. The handling and rendering of the paint and the high degree of realism is impressive. Signed and dated "C. Brasch 1896'. From the quality of the work and the care it has been shown over the years still allow the fine details to be visible and appreciated. These types of large scale portraits were popular during the late 19th and early 20th century and there were many artists working in this lucrative area for private commission but also public display such as town halls, etc.
The sitter could be Sava Atanasov Mutkurov (1852-1891) who was a Bulgarian officer (Major General) and politician and was among the chief architects of the Bulgarian unification (1885). He also served as one of the regents of the Principality of Bulgaria after Prince Alexander of Battenberg's abdication (1886–1887).
A marvellous example of grand military portraiture.
Measurements: Height 118cm, Width 87cm framed (Height 46.5”, Width 34.25” framed)
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