An intimate painting, just 13.75" x 11.5", but look at all the fine detail captured and the sweetness of the moment. Her spinning at hand, her boudoir table set with her colognes, and in her lap rests her sewing, but she's abandoned them all for a book. In the era in which this was painted, very early 1800s, many women were not taught to read. Women's acceptable practices were sewing, spinning, knitting arts and being beautiful and alluring. I think we have a very early hint of liberation in this wonderful small portrait. Not quite a miniature, but certainly to be hung with them, so intimate is the painting. Look at the fine detail of her lace cap and sleeves, her embroidered flowing skirt with that tip of a slipper peeking out (sitting cross-legged). An interesting interior, that chair she's in has a ratchet mechanism by which it can be leaned back to recline in various positions. Interior paintings are always the most intimate portraits possible, the sitter surrounded by her world and in her own moment.
Very good to excellent condition, no tear nor rip in the very nicely stretched old canvas. I've shown the back so you can see the age and the homemade wooden stretcher. Measurements noted on the photos, too. It's possible it had once been framed, as I can see a couple of very light disruptions at the outer corners which might represent rubs from the rabbit of a frame. A painting this intimate belongs next to a chair, lit by a lamp, or on a shelf of books where it's eye level and invites a close look. I find her exceptionally appealing.
