English School (Circa 1700), Portrait of a Nobleman

Oil on canvas (lined), not signed, presented in a carved giltwood frame.

Stretcher size 30 x 25 in.; Frame dimensions 35 x 29 3/4 in.

From the Historic Collection of Limestone University, Gaffney, South Carolina
Limestone College, now Limestone University, was founded in 1845 in Gaffney, South Carolina, by English-born Baptist minister Dr. Thomas Curtis and his son William. Originally established as the Limestone Springs Female High School, it was among the first women’s colleges in the nation and the very first in the state. The institution found its early roots in a former resort hotel near healing springs, later struggling due to the Civil War and Reconstruction. It revived in 1881 as the Cooper‑Limestone Institute, thanks to benefaction from industrialist Peter Cooper, and adopted the name Limestone College.

At the turn of the 18th century, English portraits of aristocracy emphasized wealth and power. This sitter is depicted wearing a full-bottomed wig along with a luxurious red cloak, and a fine lace cravat, elements which signified nobility, high social rank, and alignment with courtly styles.

The painting has been lined, with age cracking, tear to the face repaired in lining, area of lifting to left edge, minor flakes and areas of retouching, stretcher lines.