Fine c.1845 Oil - Portrait of a Widow

Description

This very fine portrait of a middle-aged woman from the mid 19th Century is a true find. The unknown sitter looks directly out at the viewer with a subtle half-smile. She wears a simple black dress with lace trim, which is offset by a blush pink scarf that is pinned with a beautiful brooch, decorated with forget-me-not flowers. Her hand is displayed prominently with a large gold ring on her ring finger. She delicately holds a carnation symbolising love and purity. The portrait is excellently presented in an ornate swept gilt frame. Dimes & Elam canvas stamp to the reverse which dates the canvas roughly from 1845-1850. Unsigned. On canvas on stretchers.

Condition

The painting has undergone some restoration, this has been completed to a very high quality. There are areas of overpainting in the background and more overpainting to the left arm. The substrate has been cleaned and is in good condition. There is some craquelure to the surface. The frame is also in very good condition, however, there are light cracks visible to the corner mouldings. The frame is stable.

Size

75 x 62cm (29.5" x 24.4")
Framed Size: 100 x 86cm (39.4" x 33.9")