Tricorn Hat Painting Appraisal

Painting of a Figure in a Tricorn Hat (June Valentine Rupp original)

This is a contemporary painting depicting a young individual, likely a boy or a person with youthful features, wearing a dark blue or black tricorn hat and a military-style jacket. The figure's skin tone is rendered in cool, almost pallid shades of blue and purple, with hints of red on the lips and cheeks, suggesting a stylized or dramatic artistic choice rather than a naturalistic portrayal. The eyes are light-colored and appear to gaze off to the right (viewer's left), creating a sense of introspection or distant focus. The tricorn hat is dark, possibly black or a very deep blue, and is adorned with a prominent gold braid trim along its edges. A decorative cockade or rosette, white with a red-orange center, is fastened to the front of the hat. The jacket is also dark, consistent with the hat, and features wide lapels and trim, both rendered in a shimmering gold, possibly using metallic paint or a similar medium to emphasize their decorative quality. A white cravat or jabot is visible at the neck, contrasting with the darker attire. The background is a gradient of deep teal and dark blue, with some lighter specks that might suggest a sparse night sky or simply textural depth. The painting exhibits a somewhat impressionistic or expressionistic style, with visible brushstrokes and a slightly unfinished, yet deliberate, quality to the details. The overall condition appears good, with no obvious signs of significant damage like tears, punctures, or large paint losses. The colors are vibrant, indicating good preservation. Given the additional context, this piece is an original by June Valentine Rupp, measuring 24x24 inches. The unique color palette and historical attire with a contemporary artistic interpretation make it a very distinctive work.