Antique English School, Georgian Miniature Watercolor, Domestic Scene 1790

This unsigned 5.5" by 4.5" painting shows the interior room of a country cottage. There is a pot cupboard to the left with shelves holding treasured crockery and pans. A mirror hangs on a skew behind the family. On the side wall hangs the ladies bonnet. The room door is open and we can see the front door behind. Grandfather sits in his favorite chair, pouring ale into his horn cup. He wears knee length breeches and a cap. Father has his young grand daughter in front of him, she is disturbed by the commotion and reaches to be picked up. Father is reading a letter, whilst trying to restrain his daughter. She too would like to see the letter. Is it a love letter from a secret admirer? Father and her brother disapprove. She already has a child out of wedlock. In fact she does rather look like she is with child once again. Grand father stairs out as us viewers, he has a wry smile. He has seen it all before and does not seem unduly bothered by the drama that unfolds before his eyes.. Is the moral for father's to keep a tight hold on their daughters. Too much freedom can end with loose morals?

Condition of the painting is wonderful, no issues at all. The original period frame however, has not faired so well. It is a solid pine frame with Gesso bead work and over gilding. The thick Gesso has flaked and is missing from the corners and particularly on the right side. It exposes the pine carcass. It has been like this for many years because the pine has a good patina to it. The original backing paper has perished and been replaced at some point in the past.

A fine watercolor from a well known period in British art history.

Item ID: TA071266