Early Victorian era, c.1840s - 1850s young woman in costume of her day. Well-listed artist has captured her beautifully in oil on panel, including her jewelry and lace collar and cuffs, cut of her gown. We don't know who she was, but we know the artist, Pierre-Louis de Coninck (French 1828-1910) whos works remain in museum collections from Louvre and British Museum, to Smithsonian and The Metropolitan and Chicago Institute of Art. Relatively new to my collections, she embodied the fashion of her time, and the dignity accorded a "young woman of goodly birth". You will recognize, I think, the later works of this artist. I have, surprisingly, a framed intaglio steel point print of his "Strawberry Girl" which I've loved for decades (apparently just the print sells today for $400-600). He was known for his Italianate girls and groups of people, often reaching toward the viewer. Common folk, engaging in everyday habits, aesthetically akin to Manet but retained his connection to highly realistic illustrations, too. And interesting artist, you'll want to search him out. This being, I'm sure, an early career work, it feels all the more valuable to me. Listed artist's work is, like all things, elevating in value at auctions now. It is a good time to collect ahead of the inflationary effects. Very established as a lauded and prize-winning artist, this charming portrait is an excellent investment!
Very good to excellent condition throughout. She is painted in oil on a fine linen canvas which is adhered to a card backing. It is not on a stretcher, so no looseness, holes, flaws associated. The frame's simple nature also would indicate very early work in Coninck's career, and is the original to this painting. Not technically a portrait miniature, it is sized down to an intimate size, the frame being 14 1/2" x 10 3/4" (1/2" thick) and the oil painting is, itself, 11 3/4" x 8". She displays beautifully with a collection of portrait miniatures, or in intimate settings.
