Gilt Framed 'Reofect Painting' of "The Blue Boy" by Gainsborough

Item Details

A beautiful ‘Reofect Painting’ of The Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough (English, 1727-1788). This is thought to be Gainsborough most important work, painted in the 17th century and believed, though unproven, to be a portrait of Jonathan Buttall (1752–1805), son of a wealthy hardware merchant. The portrait offers an excellent study of historical costume. ‘Reofect paintings’ were actually textured prints made in the early 1900s to around 1950. They were oil based and varnished in a way that mimicked the texture of oil brush strokes. This one is on board rather than canvas. The prints were sold in high end galleries during their time of manufacture; but because the process was very expensive, it was abandoned by the 20th mid-century. This picture is in an elaborate gilt painted wood frame and wired for hanging. It is labeled ‘Reofect Painting’ on the back.

Condition

A few scratches on print. Backing paper is torn.

Dimensions

Item #

16LEX262-142