Portrait of a Jolly Man - Oil Painting

I bought this in an auction. It was listed in the catalog as "Oil Portrait of a Jolly Man." I bought it because I liked it even though I know nothing about it. It's unsigned, undated, and a complete mystery. Other than the fact that it looks like the same guy who modeled for Sundblom's Santa, does anyone care to add any guesses/theories about it?

Jolly Man by GatValDiscDC posted Jul 12, 2015 at 2:06 PM

Jolly Man - Reverse by GatValDiscDC posted Jul 12, 2015 at 2:06 PM

 

It is a character study portrait in the style of the old masters. Appears to be 20th century European based on appearance of the painting, stretcher, and canvas. Thought it might be a copy of a famous work but could not find a match. Doesn't necessarily mean that it isn't, just that I couldn't find it.

 

It reminds me of Italian portraits I've seen photos of, but that's just a guess.

 

Looks like a modern copy of an older style painting, as both previous posters have indicated... and it looks familiar to me but may just be because I've seen a lot of those types of paintings! Both in person and online.

 

I've seen Italian paintings of what I think were fisherman, often or maybe always with a red hat, that this reminds me of.

I seem to recall discussions of them on eBay, either the Art or Antiques board.

 

Looks like she threw a wet towel at him..........

 

I see an influence of Frans Hals

 

Just looked him up, Bev, and see what you mean.

 

I have no experience in art whatsoever. But I'm offering my opinion anyway. I like the painting.
The face seems to be done with a lot more detail and attention then the robe and headpiece. in the face you can almost see the individual hairs and it seems to have quality in the depth and shading. The robes look almost haphazard and don't have the quality of depth and detail. I'm thinking this may be a face study, with the dressing just thrown in to complete the painting.

 

Hals came to mind immediately, although somehow that headgear is suggestive of Italy. The cheery gentleman also resembles those beer hoisting friars -- most of whom seem to be uncredited.