The Blue Boy (after Thomas Gainsborough)
Miniature portrait, decorative print or hand-painted replica on card/panel • After Thomas Gainsborough (Original painted c. 1770); likely produced by a commercial workshop for the decorative arts market
Style & Movement
Rococo Revival / Grand Manner (reproduction of 18th-century British portraiture)
Medium & Technique
Likely a color lithograph or oleograph, possibly with hand-painted varnish details or gouache highlights to simulate brushwork
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th century (c. 1890–1930) based on the frame style and reproduction technique
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 3 to 5 inches in diameter; Tondo (circular) format
Subject Description
A portrait of Jonathan Buttall, the son of a wealthy ironmonger, dressed in a blue satin Van Dyck-style doublet and breeches. The figure is posed against a dramatic, cloudy landscape background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible surface wear, localized losses in the pigment, and overall aging of the support material
Estimated Market Value
$20 - $75 (as a decorative vintage reproduction)
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 (often sold in lots with similar decorative miniatures)
Provenance History
Likely a mass-market decorative item sold through a gallery or department store; no visible labels or stamps are present in the provided image
Art Historical Significance
As a reproduction, its significance lies in the enduring popularity of Gainsborough's original work and the history of 19th-century 'Blue Boy' mania following its high-profile sale to Henry Huntington in 1921
Notable Features
Housed in a classic 'Ebonised' round frame with a brass or gilt inner slip; the textured surface suggests an attempt to mimic the impasto of the original oil painting
Condition Issues
Visible pigment loss/scuffing on the abdomen area of the figure; minor surface abrasions; dust accumulation under the glass or on the surface; possible fading from UV exposure
Conservation Recommendations
Clean the surface with a soft, dry brush; keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading; ensure the frame back is acid-free to prevent foxing