Portrait of a Man in Glasses
Painting on canvas • P. Rijs (Dutch or Flemish region likely, based on surname)
Style & Movement
Mid-20th-century Realism / Academic Portraiture
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; employed with visible brushwork, blending in the fleshtones, and a scumbled, neutral background.
Creation Period
1973 (dated)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches; Vertical Portrait format, housed in a wide wooden frame.
Subject Description
A three-quarter view bust-length portrait of a middle-aged man with short brown hair, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, a white dress shirt, a patterned red tie, and a blue-grey suit jacket. The expression is somber or serious, set against a dark, atmospheric background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the painting appears stable with no major losses, though some surface grime and varnish yellowing are probable given the age.
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $500 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $350 USD
Provenance History
Likely a private commission or family portrait; current owner's collection. No visible exhibition or gallery labels on the front.
Art Historical Significance
A typical example of mid-to-late 20th-century representational portraiture. While it demonstrates competency in likeness and lighting, the artist P. Rijs is not a widely recognized master in the global auction market, suggesting primarily personal or regional significance.
Notable Features
Prominent signature and date 'P. Rijs '73' in the lower right corner; characteristic period-style spectacles and attire providing a clear visual record of early 1970s professional fashion.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust, slight potential for craquelure in heavier impasto areas of the forehead, and some wear to the wooden frame's finish.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning to remove dust and acidic deposits; application of a archival-grade varnish if none exists; display away from direct UV light.
Collector Notes
Signature: P.Rijs from the year 1973