Godfrey Kneller (Lübeck 1646 – London 1723) circle ofPortrait of a gentleman in a garden Oil on canvas 67 x 47 cm. - Framed 84 x 64 cm. FULL DETAILS (click HERE) The painting depicts a nobleman portrayed full-length and dressed in classical clothes, woven sandals and sitting at the base of a stone fountain; he is immortalized in a lush garden with a vase full of rich floral bouquet and a terracotta one containing a mandarin plant. This is a type of portrait very common among the nobility, especially English, in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, where the effigy loved to admire himself bare of his ornaments, without pompous clothes, trendy accessories or elaborate hairstyles, this to demonstrate that his status and his value did not depend solely on the material wealth exhibited with opulence. In 17th and 18th century England, citrus trees such as the one depicted were often grown in large pots, kept outside during the summer and transported back inside, into heated orangeries, for the winter. So, the inclusion of this fruit in this portrait is an indication of the man's wealth and social status, by virtue of the great difficulties with which it was grown. The painting should therefore be compared to an English painter active around the 17th and 18th centuries, orbiting in particular in the circle of Sir Godfrey Kneller, official painter of the English court and considered, together with Peter Lely and Willem Wissing, among the masters of English portraiture between the 17th and 18th centuries. He painted every reigning British monarch, from King Charles II to George I, as well as the most important figures in British society and public life. These works, exhibited in royal palaces, were admired and so appreciated by the public, that they induced a large number of patrons, mainly nobles, to want his workshop to take care of their family portraits. The following are some of his portraits, which, like ours, show some members of the British high aristocracy immortalized in luxurious gardens, often accompanied by natural elements such as flowers and plants instead of rich jewels and precious fabrics. Among these, for comparative purposes, the portrait of Prince William, Duke of Gloucester (1693), of Countess Catherine of Dorchester (1685), of John Cecil fifth Earl of Exeter (1696), and also the portrait of James Cecil, Earl of Salisbury (https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw38421/James-Cecil-5th-Earl-of-Salisbury). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is complete with a pleasant gilded frame and is sold with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee. We take care of and organize the transport of the works purchased, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. In the event that the work is purchased by non-Italian customers, it will be necessary to obtain an export permit which takes approximately 15/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase up to obtaining it. All costs of this procedure are included. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/