The frame, a c.1810 French one, a matching frame to a pair of paintings I purchased at once in France decades ago. So long ago, in fact, I was able to wrap and carry the pair on and the stewardesses stashed them for me - pre 9/11 and baggage changes. I have recently put the other painting, the woman in a teal blue gown, up for sale. The oil painting which had been in this frame was damaged when I bought the pair, and was beyond restoration. This elegant c.1810 frame, then, had been displayed empty on my dining room walls for 15-20 years. The superb, but later, painting of a c.1850s woman in her mourning attire with jewelry (2nd year of mourning), was purchased separately and quite by luck, perfectly fits this frame. The painting and frame will be offered as you see them, paired. It's important to note this because the frame carries its own high value. Together - sublime! I have come to love this woman. The frame is 30" x 26" and 2" in depth overall. The painting fits the rabbit perfectly and is 24" x 19 3/4" on its stretcher. Her eyes capture all viewers. Beautiful pendant at her high necks, diamonds in gold and against onyx or perhaps enameled mourning locket on gold chain. Earring showing is also beautiful and the eye is also drawn to the simple tiara at her crown. The white of the lace peeking from her high color dress frames her face. Fabulous painting, I can't see a signature.
Very good condition (painting - some restoration) and very good to excellent (frame) for age and type. The frame is truly spectacular, large. As you can see, beautifully crafted, heavy solid old forest growth wood carved and gesso-gilded. It is also beautifully preserved. The portrait, in oil on stretched linen canvas, is c.1840-60 and it has been 'preserved' professionally, museum grade bonding to a newer linen canvas to give the stretched canvas strength for another several hundred years. I do see evidence of restoration on the facing side of painting, which shows at an angle of light and less so as she hangs on my wall. I've added one photo to capture and highlight the areas which were restored, touched up. I think she could benefit from a better painting in of these spaces. Tightly stretched, displays with beauty, dignity, and high appeal. You might wish to have a trusted artist do a bit of correction on the bad spots.
