Portrait of a Military Officer Value Guide

This early 20th-century oil on canvas captures a military officer in a striking red and yellow uniform, topped with a distinctive tall red shako. The piece is highly collectible for its post-impressionistic brushwork and the rare, jovial expression of the subject, which contrasts with traditional stoic military portraiture.

What Is Portrait of a Military Officer Worth?

The typical price range for Portrait of a Military Officer is $150 - $250 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The condition of the oil paint, specifically looking for any cracking, flaking, or previous restoration work.
• The visual appeal of the subject's unique smiling expression, which can increase desirability over standard formal portraits.
• The quality and period-correctness of the accompanying wood frame.
• The vibrancy of the red and yellow pigments, as well-preserved colors command higher prices in the $150-$250 range.

How to Identify Portrait of a Military Officer?

• Look for bold, expressive brushstrokes characteristic of post-impressionistic or expressionistic styles from the 1900-1950 era.
• Examine the canvas and wood frame for signs of age consistent with the early to mid-20th century.
• Identify the specific Napoleonic-inspired details of the uniform, including the tall red shako and vibrant yellow accents.
• Check for any faint artist signatures or gallery markings on the reverse of the wooden frame or canvas edges.

History of Portrait of a Military Officer

Military portraiture has a long and distinguished history, often commissioned to honor brave leaders and commemorate significant events. This particular style, with its bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors, suggests a post-impressionistic or expressionistic approach, which gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The uniform depicted appears to be inspired by European military attire, possibly from the Napoleonic era or a similar period, characterized by elaborate headwear like the shako. The identity of the artist is unknown, but the work captures a strong sense of character and personality.