Franz Sterrer

About the Painting

This striking 1863 portrait depicts a distinguished gentleman dressed in a dark navy-blue suit, black waistcoat, and crisp white shirt. His red cravat, intricately tied, adds vibrant contrast to his otherwise subdued attire. He has neatly styled dark hair, a well-groomed mustache, and sideburns that frame his composed yet confident expression. His left arm rests on a luxurious leopard skin, a symbol of status or exotic influence reflecting the artist's exposure to Ottoman court culture.

Notably, a gold ring with the engraved initial "P" adorns the ring finger of his left hand, potentially offering a clue to the sitter's identity. The background consists of a soft gradient of warm tones, lending an elegant and timeless quality to the composition. The painting, executed with remarkable precision and psychological depth, is signed and dated by Franz Sterrer in 1863. Recently cleaned, the work displays craquelure throughout the canvas, characteristic of mid-19th century oil paintings.

About the Artist

Franz Sterrer (1818-1901) was an Austrian painter renowned for his skill in portraiture and genre scenes, capturing the essence and status of his sitters with masterful technique. Born on November 16, 1818, in Wels, Upper Austria, Sterrer studied under Friedrich von Amerling, one of the most distinguished portraitists of the 19th century. Amerling's influence is evident in Sterrer's attention to fine detail, psychological depth, and refined use of color.

Between 1840 and 1845, Sterrer exhibited at the Vienna Academy of Art, where his works gained acclaim for their elegance and realism. Seeking new artistic and professional opportunities, he moved to Constantinople in 1848, a period that would define his career. There, he secured prestigious commissions from Sultan Abdülmecit I, painting several portraits for the Ottoman court. His exposure to the rich artistic traditions of the East influenced his style, introducing exotic textures and motifs into his later works.

During his stay in Constantinople, Sterrer met and married a French woman, marking a turning point in his personal and professional life. After completing his royal commissions, the couple relocated to France, eventually settling in Écully near Lyon. Here, Sterrer continued his career as a portraitist, earning a distinguished reputation among the French aristocracy and bourgeoisie. His paintings, characterized by their lifelike representation and subtle yet expressive compositions, remained in high demand.

Franz Sterrer spent the remainder of his life in Écully, where he continued to paint and influence the local artistic community. He passed away on September 17, 1901, leaving behind a legacy of elegant and masterfully executed works that continue to be admired for their precision and timeless beauty.

Technical Details

Artist: Franz Sterrer (1818-1901)
Signed and dated: Lower left corner, 1863
Medium: Oil on canvas
Condition: Very good condition, recently cleaned, craquelure throughout
Dimensions: 81 x 65 cm / 32 x 25½ in
Frame: Unframed
Origin: France

A distinguished portrait by this Austrian master trained under Friedrich von Amerling, reflecting influences from both European and Ottoman court traditions.