A striking 19th-century overpainted photographic portrait by Wing Chong, a noted portrait painter active at No. 66 Queen’s Road, Hong Kong. This exquisitely detailed image of a young man in military dress features the hallmark precision of an early photograph, richly enhanced with delicate hand painting.
Overpainting photographic portraits was a common practice in the Victorian era—particularly in Asia—where artists like Wing Chong catered to European colonial clientele, merging the realism of early photography with traditional painting techniques. The subject's uniform, with a cap bearing a crowned cipher, suggests British military or civil service ties.
Framed in its original ebonised wood and gilt mount, the piece measures approximately 52cm tall by 44cm wide (approx. 20.5" x 17"). The surface shows some expected craquelure and age marks, adding authenticity to this atmospheric historical work.
A rare example of colonial-era portraiture, combining East and West in both medium and execution.
*** US Buyers - Note that there is still no import tariff on goods valued less than $800 ***
Overpainting photographic portraits was a common practice in the Victorian era—particularly in Asia—where artists like Wing Chong catered to European colonial clientele, merging the realism of early photography with traditional painting techniques. The subject's uniform, with a cap bearing a crowned cipher, suggests British military or civil service ties.
Framed in its original ebonised wood and gilt mount, the piece measures approximately 52cm tall by 44cm wide (approx. 20.5" x 17"). The surface shows some expected craquelure and age marks, adding authenticity to this atmospheric historical work.
A rare example of colonial-era portraiture, combining East and West in both medium and execution.
*** US Buyers - Note that there is still no import tariff on goods valued less than $800 ***