Possible to date a portrait painting? Rowlands grandfather, Dinas Mawddwy.

[Cariad.bach]

This is a portrait painting given to me by my Taid (grandfather). Years ago I received photos of it and he said it was his father's grandfather, which led me to think he was 'Edward'.

Recently I have received the actual painting, it measures approx 15.5 x 18 x 2/8". It was in a modern frame (40 ish years?), and on the back of the frame was written 'Richard Rowlands' (somewhere along the way some had wrongly added in the middle name and dates of my great-Taid's father - I know it isn't him, as I have photos of him). There are no names on it, on the back someone has written 'very special' and possibly an initial (maybe a H)?

So.. I'm thinking he may well be a Richard Rowlands, but I have at least two others on my direct line -

Richard Rowlands 1794-1874. In the 1851 census he was listed as Alderman of the City, and Master Smith. He's a Toll Collector on others.

Then..

Richard Rowlands 1733-1799. He was the Mayor of Dinas in 1793.

So I'm looking for ideas on who would have a painting like this done, and why, is it possible to date it in any way from hairstyle/clothing? Could it have been done at a later date/maybe it's not 'Richard' afterall.. argh!

I hope some of this makes sense, sorry it's long-winded!

Thanks for any ideas!

Emma

[jim1]

1850's I would suggest but depending on how fashionable he was it could be into the 1860's.
From the dates you've given Richard b. 1794 would be the closest match.

[Cariad.bach]

Thanks Jim.

Do you know why a fairly ordinary family man from a small village (long line of blacksmiths) might be having his portrait painted? I imagine it would be expensive, but suppose it could have been done by a family member maybe?

[jim1]

There were amateur artists about who would do these quite cheaply. I would suggest this was copied from a photograph rather than a sitting.

[Gadget]

Agree with Jim that it looks like a painting  from a photo.

By the colours and painting style, I'd suggest that it was painted much later than the date of the actual photo it was copied from.  What material is it painted on - canvas or paper?

I remember doing sketches and paintings from old family photos when I was practising  drawing and painting 

Gadget

[Cariad.bach]

Thank you both, I did wonder whether it was painted later, as it's in quite good condition, but I wasn't sure what era he was from, and whether photographs would be commonplace then.

It's painted on some type of board, not wood, about 2/8" thick.

[Cariad.bach]

I believe my Nain had it framed around the 1980's (I remember it hanging in the dining room as a child), but she's no longer around to ask about it, and my Taid has little recollection now.

I wish I had the photo it came from!

[Ruskie]

Before reading the replies I was going to suggest the same as Jim and Gadget - this appears to have been painted relatively recently.

If you can identify the board it may help you date it.

The portrait may have been based on another painting or painted using a photo as a guide.

[Treetotal]

Agree with Jim that it looks like a painting  from a photo.

By the colours and painting style, I'd suggest that it was painted much later than the date of the actual photo it was copied from.  What material is it painted on - canvas or paper?

I remember doing sketches and paintings from old family photos when I was practising  drawing and painting 

Gadget

I agree...the painting style and materials used would appear to be quite modern and fresh.

Carol