Charles Antoine Paré - Portrait Of A Gentleman

This distinguished oil on canvas portrait by French artist Charles Antoine Paré (1836-1876), depicts a gentleman dressed in the formal military style of the First Empire period (1804-1814). This unframed painting painted in 1875 represents a masterful example of 19th-century French academic portraiture, showcasing the artist's technical precision and attention to historical detail.

The subject is portrayed wearing an elegant dark navy military-style coat with elaborate silver embroidered trim and decorative braiding characteristic of Napoleonic-era fashion. The formal white cravat and high collar exemplify the refined masculine dress of the First Empire period. A heraldic coat of arms with a count's crown appears in the upper right corner, suggesting the subject's noble or official status.

Paré's sophisticated technique demonstrates the influence of French academic painting traditions, with smooth brushwork, precise modeling of facial features, and careful attention to textile details. The warm brown background and subtle lighting create an intimate yet formal composition typical of bourgeois portraiture of the period.

This artwork represents an important example of 19th-century French historical revival painting, where contemporary subjects were often depicted in the dress and style of earlier prestigious periods, particularly the Napoleonic era. The painting reflects the romanticization of the First Empire that was popular during the Second Empire and early Third Republic periods.

This portrait remains in very good condition with minor restoration. The portrait shows very good overall state of preservation with strong color retention and structural integrity. There are visible signs of overpainting in the left background area, likely historical restoration work that does not affect the subject or main composition. 

Charles Antoine Paré was a French artist born on August 23, 1836, in Lyon, France. The son of a stained glass painter, he was exposed to artistic traditions from an early age. Paré showed exceptional talent, enrolling at the École des Beaux-Arts de Lyon at just 12 years old.

After completing his studies, he returned to the same institution as a drawing professor, sharing his expertise with future artists. Following his father's footsteps, Paré created stained glass windows for churches throughout Lyon and other French regions, demonstrating his versatility across different artistic mediums.

His painting work focused primarily on portraiture and figure studies, executed with the refined techniques characteristic of 19th-century French academic art. Paré's portraits showcase careful attention to detail and sophisticated brushwork that reflected his formal training.

Charles Antoine Paré died tragically young in Lyon on November 24, 1876, at age 40. Despite his brief career, he left behind a body of work that exemplifies the quality of regional French academic painting during the mid-19th century, successfully bridging fine art and decorative arts through his diverse artistic practice.

Signed and dated 1875 in the lower right corner.
Condition: Very good condition.
Dimensions: 47 x 35 cm. / 18 ½ x 13 ¾ in.
Frame: Unframed.
Origin: France.