Portrait of Young English aristocrat with Straw Hat. English School circa 1720

Portrait of a young aristocratic girl - 18th century English style
Oil on canvas.

Silvered wood frame.

Size with frame cm 85 x 72,5 cm

Size without frame cm 74,5 x 62,5

At the heart of the 18th century English school, around 1720, the artistic influence of Gottfried Kneller, a renowned painter, permeated the boundaries of English portraiture.
This young aristocratic girl, masterfully immortalized by an anonymous painter - at least for the moment - elegantly sports a straw hat, a symbol of freshness and simplicity in contrast with her pearl white silk dress, which creates a delicate light effect, with silvery nuances.
The almost frontal composition reveals Kneller's influence, with large fields of color that give the young woman an almost tangible presence.

The essence of German naturalism, brought by Kneller to the English school, manifests itself vividly through the realistic representation of the subject.
The painting, still in an excellent state of conservation, is framed with an ancient frame which adds a touch of authenticity and nobility to the work. This portrait embodies the elegance and refinement of the 18th century English style, perfect for those looking for a quality piece of art and a rare representation of the costume of the time.

Some biographical notes on Gottfried Kneller:
Gottfried Kneller, born in 1646 in Germany, was one of the most famous portrait painters of the 17th and 18th centuries. He moved to England in 1676, where he achieved great success and became the court portraitist of King William III and Queen Mary II. Neller was known for his majestic and idealized style, which profoundly influenced the English school of portraiture. His ability to capture the grandeur and nobility of his subjects earned him enormous popularity and numerous prestigious assignments. He died in 1723, leaving an indelible mark on the European artistic panorama.

Invention of the KitKat portrait:
Of note, Gottfried Kneller is also credited as the inventor of the "KitKat portrait", a portrait format that portrays the subject in a full-length, standing position, typically against a neutral background, which became very popular during the period of he. The name “KitKat” associated with the full-length portrait is actually an abbreviation of “Kit-Cat Club”, an exclusive London club founded in the late 17th century. The Kit-Cat Club was made up of eminent political, literary and artistic figures of the time, including the artist Gottfried Kneller.

The club was named after Christopher Catling, owner of a bakery called “The Cat and the Kit” where club members met. The nickname “Kit-Kat” became associated with the club and became a household term for both the club itself and its members.