Miniature painting of lady in a red dress

Antiques : Art : Miniature Portrait

 

This lovely lady looks rather haughtily out at us, seeming to be very aware of her beauty. Her hair is swept up into a bouffant, died with a blue ribbon, and she wears a red dress – or more likely, a red cloak over a white blouse. We believe this is water color on ivory, although we have not taken it apart. The frame is ebonized wood; the glass is flat. There is a signature, but it is not really readable. Most interesting is the back. An old, crumbling piece of paper was glued to the back. It has French handwriting that appears to be an itemized list of some sort.

Measurements are 5” by 4 1/2". Condition is excellent, although the paper in the back is darkened with age, is crumbly and has a corner missing.

We believe this painting dates from the early 1900s. It is nicely painted, although not as detailed as some we have had. Having said that, we do need to point out that there is real beauty in the folds of the red cloak, and in the perfection of the young lady’s skin and features. And there is something about her imperious gaze that is quite mesmerizing… she is letting you know she’d love to appear on your wall.

Item ID: 0546