Antique 19th Century Oil Painting Portrait of a Scientist

Our early 19th century portrait oil painting on textured, cradled panel, said to depict the British scientist, Michael Faraday, as noted in the modern marking on reverse.  Stretcher 21 1/2 by 25 1/2 in.  Mounted in modern frame, 24 1/2 by 29 in.  Apparently unsigned.

It may actually depict the French scientist, André-Marie Ampère (1775-1836), founder of the science of electrodynamics, now known as electromagnetism.  He is depicted in his usual formal attire, including white ruffled shirt with tall collar and tied bow (an outfit worn in other works of art of his period) with dark overcoat, seated with his hand on an ammeter, his celebrated invention based on the galvanometer, invented by Johann Schweigger.

Textured panels were most commonly used by American painters of the era to simulate canvas twill. The most well known artist to use such panels may be Gilbert Stuart.  A process for the preservation of wooden panels, cradling involves the mounting of a grid of wooden slats to reinforce and preserve a flat surface.

Overall condition is very good. 

Areas of inpainting visible under UV.  Cradling added in 20th century.