Gentleman in a red-brown cloak

Without doubt Charles Boit was one of the most gifted enamel painters at the turn of the 18th century, and justifiably earned praise during his own lifetime. He was born and grew up in Stockholm, and initially trained as a goldsmith but then also learned enamelling. At the age of twenty he left his homeland and embarked on what was to become an unparalleled career. The rich and powerful of Europe positively clamoured to have him paint their portraits, and the artist achieved both fame and riches. After he had demonstrated his skills at several courts, his extravagant lifestyle and associated debts forced him to flee from his creditors. He escaped to Paris, where he was protected by Philippe d’Orléans, and even gained admission to the Royal Academy. Other artists trained in his studio, including Christian Friedrich Zincke and Martin van Mijtens.

Boit probably painted this portrait of a gentleman during his second stay in London, from approximately 1704 to 1714.¹ It has some stylistic elements in common with works by the portrait painter Godfrey Kneller, and it would not be surprising if Boit had based the miniature on a painting by this exceptionally prolific artist. The enamel portrait shows the gentleman in a pose popular at the time, with the body shown in profile and the head turned towards the observer. The artist draped a heavy velvet cloak over the sitter’s shoulder to emphasise his superiority.

B. P.