Early 19th-century German School, Portrait of a Lady with a Letter - Antique Oil Painting

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This charming early 19th-century German oil painting depicts a young lady holding a letter sealed with wax.

Completed in around 1835, the detailed approach adopted here is synonymous with the ‘Biedermeier’ style, which influenced painting, interiors and architecture in central Europe. It was a period of increased wealth for the rising middle classes and artists were in high demand.

The sitter appears to be in mourning, perhaps for a parent, and wears an elegant off-the-shoulder black dress with accompanying black jewellery. The stones in the ring and bracelet are probably jet.

The portrait is unsigned but it’s by a well-trained hand.

Held within a gilt frame, which is probably original.

Medium: Oil on paper laid on canvas

Overall size: 23” x 29” / 59cm x 74cm

Year of creation: c. 1835

Provenance: Private collection, Germany.

Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Cleaned. Revarnished. Minor areas of age-related discolouration. Frame with light marks, losses, and signs of age.

Our reference: BRV1794

Physical Dimensions

Height

74cm (29.13")

Width

59cm (23.23")

Depth

5cm (1.97")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1068565

Description

This charming early 19th-century German oil painting depicts a young lady holding a letter sealed with wax.

“

Completed in around 1835, the detailed approach adopted here is synonymous with the ‘Biedermeier’ style, which influenced painting, interiors and architecture in central Europe.

Brave Fine Art

It was a period of increased wealth for the rising middle classes and artists were in high demand.

fig 1. Early 19th-Century German School, Portrait Of A Lady With A Letter - Antique Oil Painting — fig 1. Early 19th-century German School, Portrait of a Lady with a Letter - Antique Oil Painting

The sitter appears to be in mourning, perhaps for a parent, and wears an elegant off-the-shoulder black dress with accompanying black jewellery. The stones in the ring and bracelet are probably jet.

The portrait is unsigned but it’s by a well-trained hand.

fig 2. Early 19th-Century German School, Portrait Of A Lady With A Letter - Antique Oil Painting — fig 2. Early 19th-century German School, Portrait of a Lady with a Letter - Antique Oil Painting

Held within a gilt frame, which is probably original.

Medium: Oil on paper laid on canvas

Overall size: 23” x 29” / 59cm x 74cm

Year of creation: c. 1835

Provenance: Private collection, Germany.

Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Cleaned. Revarnished. Minor areas of age-related discolouration. Frame with light marks, losses, and signs of age.

Our reference: BRV1794