Eugène Verboeckhoven Belgian, 1798-1881

Acquired by the present owner from an Antwerp estate, Belgium

Original canvas. There are three small lines of retouching in the upper background, a further spot to the right of the man in line with his nose and some further scattered flecks to the background and to the left side of his coat. Apart from some faint craquelure, notably in the tassle of his hat, this work is in good overall condition. The colours are brighter than they appear in the catalogue illustration. Held in an ornate moulded gilt frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The probable sitter of this striking portrait is Ibrahim Pacha (1789-1848), the viceroy of Egypt, who toured Europe in 1845-6. It is likely that Verboekhoven was introduced to Ibrahim in royal circles at the court of King Leopold I of Belgium, one of the artist's most avid patrons.