Estimate

20.000 - 30.000

Session 2

16 December 2024

Hammer Price

Description

Oil on canvas
Depicting a full-length portrait of a gentleman richly dressed in a coat and waistcoat embroidered in gold, set against an Italianate landscape
Italy or England, mid-18th century

Category

Paintings

Additional Information

Bartolomeo Nazari was a Venetian painter renowned for his portraiture, celebrated for his ability to capture the presence and individuality of his sitters. Active in Venice and other European courts, he was sought after by the elite of the time to portray figures of prestige and prominence. His work is characterized by refined technique and meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the depiction of fabrics and accessories.
The attribution of the present painting to Nazari is based on stylistic comparisons with a known portrait of Samuel Egerton (1711–1780), currently held by the National Trust at Tatton Park, Cheshire, UK. In this portrait, Egerton is depicted in an identical pose to the sitter in the present work, reinforcing the possibility of Nazari’s authorship. The delicate execution and detailed rendering of embroidery and accessories further support this attribution, as they are hallmarks of the artist’s style.
As for the identification of the sitter, a label on the reverse suggests it to be “Thomas Cockburn, Lord Rutherford.” However, this reference appears to be inaccurate. Based on the apparent age of the sitter and historical context, it is more likely that the portrait represents Thomas Cockburn (b. 1723), the son of Margaret Rutherford, who resided at Bowchester, Berwickshire, Scotland. The pose and attire emphasize the sitter’s aristocratic status and sophistication, reflecting the style and taste of the period.