The intimacy of this stunning portrait is haunting, gorgeous. Hints of Impressionist influence, but the painting dates later, c.1890-1915. The exceptionally fine handling of the media, the space, the mood and execution of the painting would rather suggest the artist would sigh the work. Perhaps it was even too intimate for that. The young beauty, the bodice of her dress opened down so the sheer blouse reveals a hint of nipple beneath, and the - is it sadness? To me she is caught in the loss of a first true love. There is longing, sensuality awakened, there is a distance in her eyes of recall, or perhaps a little regret. What do you see? French, a recent acquisition for Antiques & Uncommon Treasure, I know she will not stay with me long in reality, but this portrait will stay with anyone who has experienced it. Palette, mood, vulnerability. Stunning!
Very good to excellent condition. She has her original wooden stretcher, from which the old painting had been removed and professionally bonded to a stronger linen canvas. I've had several this way and the restoration is superb. Re-stretched, she could be hung as she is or framed for a more formal display. The canvas mount size is 25 1/2" x 21 1/4", and depth of the stretcher mount is a bit less than an inch. No damage. No tears, no holes, no lost paint. Slight crazing to the old oil paint, typical of the medium. A magnificent command of warm and cool tones employed. That orange strap pulling the eye from her eyes and lips to her hinted breast, and back to those eyes. No, I won't have this one long.
