This 19th Century academic style still life oil on canvas painting presents a detailed arrangement of historical objects, including a 16th Century close helmet, a gilt brass charger, a carved ivory relief tankard, a tortoiseshell and metal mounted powder flask, a gold medallion on chain and an ornate dagger. The objects are set against a deep red drapery, with controlled lighting that emphasizes the contrasting materials and surfaces. The painting is signed Valthon, and also engraved with this name on the name plaque. This artist was likely French, and exhibited and sold paintings in the United States and Europe. The artist worked in the European academic tradiiton and demonstrates strong technical handling, particularly in the treatment of the polished metal and carved textures. The subject matter reflects 19th Century Romantic and historicist interests, referencing military themes and early modern collecting culture.

While I have not been able to find biographic information about this artist, it has been shared with me that the artist exhibited a still life painting at the Sherk Gallery in Brooklyn, NY in 1887. Additional works by the artist were sold at a fine art auction in Washington, D.C. in 1886.

The painting is in excellent condition and measures approximately 22 1/2” x 25 1/2” and with frame 33 1/4” x 37 3/4”. The frame has had some minor repairs, and the piece is ready to hang.

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