Translation of ID'd tag on back of painting: "Anne Marguerite Lefebre, spouse of M'eny, born Paris, the 17th September, 1783 Died at Paris, the 11th of May, 1844" I purchased this fabulous painting many years ago in Paris and she's one of my all-time favorites and is on display in my dining room right now. It seems like it's time to begin to disburse my personal collection, so here is this one. The painting is exquisite. A society matron in high fashion, showing favorites of late Napoleonic Era to perhaps Louis-Philippe (c.1815-1830) like the red coral tiara and jewelry items, the red coral buckle at her bodice of the Empire gown she wears. She further has a fine cashmere (Kasimir) shawl which would have been a luxury item in her time. The composition and palette are rich, elegant and well supported by the opulent original frame. Large, it is 24.5" x 19.75" (painting) and frame measures 30" x 26" and 2.5" depth.
Very good for age and type. The frame is close to excellent, with very little loss or flaws notable. The painting is stunning, gorgeous, has some surface crazing typical in the old paintings and a few light imperfections visible in our many photos. She displays beautifully just as she is, and gets more compliments than any painting we display these many years. Oil painting on stretched linen canvas, we've shown the stamp and ID label found on backside, too.
