A most interesting portrait of a gentleman who we believe was a reputable member of the military or aristocracy from the 19th century.
He is wearing a black coat, a black waistcoat and a white chemise of which you can see the collar just above the black stock.
A quite distinctive Red Sash crosses his chest from the right shoulder; we believe that the sash is the symbol of the National Order of the Legion of Honour (Legion d'Honneur, the highest French order of merit for military and civil merits).
A glance of a medal is visible just under the coat's collar.
A watchful eye would also notice that the sitter is missing his right arm: a detail which supports the fact that he was most likely a distinguished military officer although here is wearing a daily attire and is sitting in a quite relaxed manner on a red velvet chair holding a red book.
The portrait is a watercolour and is set in a moulded frame with only slight/minor wear and tear.