Bearded Man in a Top Hat, Oil Study

An oil study of a bearded man in a top hat, by an unidentified hand. The subject and the loose, dark handling recall Parisian café and theatre scenes of the 1890s.

He is shown head and shoulders, in profile to the left. His hat, beard and coat are brushed in thick dark strokes, and his face catches a warm yellow light. At the left edge a second man in a hat looks out towards us, against a red and green ground.

Oil on canvas, unsigned on the front. In an old gilt composition frame with acanthus ornament and a plain gilt slip. The frame has losses to the ornament and gilding, especially at the corners.