GERMAN SCHOOL (19th Century)

Portrait miniature of a Gentleman, possibly Heinrich Barth (1821-1865), wearing grey suit, blue tie and white shirt, standing in a mountainous landscape

circa 1860
Watercolour on ivory (licence XUXY1A1C)
Oval, 47mm (1 ⁷/₈ in) high
Gold locket frame

£850

This unusual portrait possibly shows the explorer Heinrich Barth (1821-1865), with a mountain range in the background. Barth is now known as one of the greatest of the European explorers of Africa, as his scholarly preparation, ability to speak and write Arabic, learning African languages, and character meant that he carefully documented the details of the cultures he visited. However, in his own lifetime, around the time this miniature could have been painted. In 1865, he was granted a professorship of geography (without chair or regular pay) at Berlin University and appointed president of the Geographical Society. However, his admission to the Prussian Academy of Sciences was denied, as it was claimed that he had achieved nothing for historiography and linguistics. They did not fully understand his achievements, which have been ratified by scholars over time.

The mountain range in the background of this portrait is difficult to identify with any certainty but it may be the Alps. Barth never married and was described as a ‘notoriously private, abrasive, and introverted man’ and it is unclear who may have commissioned a miniature of him. He was not given to emotional sensitivity, preferring science which is noted in one of his journals:

'Knowledge is power.
Because science is
The confidante in the wilderness,
The companion in a foreign land,
The storyteller in solitude,
The guide in joy and sorrow,
The weapon against the enemy,
And the ornament for friends'.
Private collection, UK.

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Portrait miniature of a Gentleman, possibly Heinrich Barth (1821-1865), wearing grey suit, blue tie and white shirt, standing in a mountainous landscape

GERMAN SCHOOL (19th century)

Portrait miniature of a Gentleman, possibly Heinrich Barth (1821-1865), wearing grey suit, blue tie and white shirt, standing in a mountainous landscape

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shipping notice

The item added to cart contains materials from endangered or protected species. The Limner Company cannot arrange for the delivery of artworks containing ivory, tortoiseshell, or mother of pearl outside of the UK due to import restrictions. The buyer or designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale.

You are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of any items made from or containing certain endangered or protected species (such as ivory, tortoiseshell, or mother of pearl), while other countries will require a permit (e.g. a CITES licence). Such permits must be obtained from the relevant regulatory body in both the country of importation and exportation. If you intend to import such items into another country you should familiarise yourself with the relevant customs regulations and laws before purchase. Delays or refusal of import or export of such works shall not permit cancellation of a sale. It is your responsibility to satisfy any laws or regulations applying to the import or export of any work containing such protected species. For further information on the protected species listed please visit the CITES website:http://www.cites.org/. For further information about import and export regulations please visit:http://www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla-en/imports-exports/cites/. On request, the Company can assist with or apply for a license on your behalf.

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shipping TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Worldwide shipping is included in all prices.

The Limner Company does not accept any responsibility for import duty, this is to be paid by the buyer.

See Section 7.5 in Terms & Conditions for information on export/import regulations. Please contact us to discuss shipping options. Some stock items contain materials from endangered species which are governed by CITES regulations and will require a permit to export outside of Great Britain. If a certificate of export is required then this will be the responsibility of and paid for by the buyer.

See Section 7.5 in Terms & Conditions for information on export/import regulations.

Please contact us to discuss shipping options.

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