Oil on canvas
Switzerland, 2nd half 19th Century
Copy after Heinrich Beltz (1801-1869) – Portraitist of the 19th Century
Presumably a portray of Otto von Glenck (1821-1891) - General manager of the saline in Schweizerhalle
Marked and dated lower left
Smaller version of the same portrait, which is also offered at Auctionata
Overall dimensions, framed: 63.5 x 53 cm (height x width)
Good condition
Object is regular taxed. Differential taxation is not possible

This portrait of an elegantly dressed gentleman is a smaller version of the same painting that Heinreich Beltz created in 1855 and which is also on sale at Auctionata. Like the original, this oil painting is marked lower left with ‘H. Beltz 1855’. Obviously this very finely executed copy was created a little bit later; in its picturesque quality it is hardly inferior to the original. Both portraits are an expression of the self-esteem of the emerging bourgeoisie in 19th Century. So a young, successful man of that time could easily have use for several self-portraits of the same type.

According to the previous owner this portray represents a member of the Glenck family in Basle. It depicts most probably Otto von Glenck (1821-1891), who was director of the saline in Schweizerhalle, founded by his father Carl Christian Friedrich Genck. In Basle he gained great popularity for his engagement for a new theater and as the president of the theatre commission.

The work is in a good condition with some traces of age and use. Accordingly, the colour is slightly crackled and shows small damages at the margins, which however are covered by the frame. The inscription „H. Beltz. 1855.“ is located at the lower left. The canvas measures 48 cm in height and 37.6 cm in width. The gilt frame measures 63.5 cm in height and 53 cm in width. Some of its front parts used to be broken and had to be restored. (cbo)

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