Cosmo Alexander, Portrait Of A Gentleman

This distinguished mid-18th-century portrait by Scottish painter Cosmo Alexander (1724-1772) depicts a gentleman attired in a richly embroidered scarlet waistcoat beneath a dark coat adorned with elaborate gold frogging. Presented in a feigned oval, it possesses the cultivated refinement associated with Alexander’s finest British portraits of the 1750s. It belongs to a pivotal moment in the artist’s career - shortly after his return from continental Europe. Alexander focuses attention on the gentleman’s composed expression, powdered wig, and immaculate attire. The restrained palette is enlivened by the striking brilliance of the scarlet waistcoat, with its rhythmical scrolling gold embroidery. Stylistically, the portrait reflects the cosmopolitan influences Alexander absorbed during his years abroad, particularly in Rome among the exiled Jacobite court. The handling combines a certain Scottish directness with continental elegance. The modelling of the face is especially accomplished, while the dark background enhances the immediacy of the sitter. Cosmo Alexander occupies a fascinating position within 18th-century British and American art history. A committed Jacobite, his life was shaped by political upheaval following the Rising of 1745. Exile carried him across Europe before he established himself within British artistic circles and, later, the American colonies. Today, he is remembered as the first teacher of Gilbert Stuart, who would become one of America’s greatest portraitists. Works by Alexander are held in numerous public collections, including the National Galleries of Scotland, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Harvard Art Museums, and The Art Institute of Chicago. His portraits are increasingly appreciated for reflecting a period of profound political and cultural transition. Signed/dated in the lower left and held within a gilt frame with scrolling foliate ornament, pierced corners, and a repeating floral border. Learn more about Cosmo Alexander in our directory. Medium: Oil on canvas Overall size: 30” x 35” / 77cm x 89cm Year of creation: 1754 Provenance: Private collection, Scotland. Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Later stretcher. Fine craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame with various marks and showing its age. Artist’s auction maximum: £32,412 achieved in 2008 for ‘Girl with Squirrel/Girl with Lamb (2)’. Our reference: BRV2276