Eugène DEVERIA (1805 – 1865) - Portrait of a Man in a Frock Coat

Eugène DEVERIA (1805 – 1865)
Portrait of a Man in a Frock Coat

Oil on canvas, 75 x 60 cm

Signed at the bottom left "Eug………."
Formerly attributed to Eugène Delacroix on the back.

Provenance
Private collection, France

Eugène Devéria, born in 1805 and died in 1865, was a remarkable French artist, especially known for his association with the Romantic movement that swept through the European art scene in the early 19th century. He quickly made a name for himself with his work "The Birth of Henry IV," which was acclaimed at its presentation at the Salon of 1827. His distinctive style is characterized by dramatic use of color and light, as well as a tendency towards theatricality and intense emotion, reflecting well the Romantic spirit of his time.

Our painting is a beautiful example of his talent as a portraitist, demonstrating Devéria's mastery in the representation of the human figure with great finesse. The man's frock coat, a garment of the time, is rendered with particular attention to detail and textures, giving a certain elegance to the subject.

The expression of the subject is captivating, offering an insight into the personality of the man, who seems both thoughtful and confident. The way in which Devéria captures the subject's gaze suggests a silent conversation between the artist and his model. It is this intimacy and deep understanding of the human character that make his portraits so captivating and significant in the history of art.

This portrait is not only a valuable addition to any collection of French Romantic works, but it is also a window to the past, inviting the viewer to contemplate the richness and complexity of Devéria's era. For both the novice and experienced collector, owning such a painting would be an immersion into the soul of French Romanticism and a celebration of the talent of this less known but significant artist.