Dating mid to late 1800s, this charming little portrait of a woman in a rather exotic 'Harem' like costume with veil tucked into her immense braids is an interesting addition to any collection. While we se no signature from the artist, the painting seems to me to be one done of a living subject, in portrait, rather than after a famous portrait, making it all the more interesting. Might she have been in costume as an actress? Or is this a rather Bohemian Victorian era maiden sporting her own unique style? Embroidery on her jacket and a string of pearls, a coral pinky ring and one of those Victorian ribbon bracelets that had monogram segments of silver (my guess based on the look) tell us she likes jewelry but doesn't mind a rebellious combination of styles. A relaxed and pensive pose leaning her head into her hand, her dreamy blue eyes convey a spirit of both creativity and charm. Lovely and even more so in that wonderful frame.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the painting is unsigned but in fine form. We photographed it through the convex glass so it's not quite as intense or clear as it is in person. Some glare is inevitable and the camera tends to blow out the subtler tones, so this one is much nicer in person than in our images. There are no chips or cracks, no hairlines or warping to the thin wafer upon which she is painted. And the frame is in fine condition, too, without loss. Slight shrinkage of the materials has opened up the miters just a touch, as you can see, but that isn't considered a flaw. The back is sealed in fabric, but we carefully opened to scan front and back side of wafer. No signature. A lovely old wood parquet frame with this one that is a valuable antique all on its own.
