An early 19thC Continental Renaissance Style Oil on Canvas, Gilt Frame, 80cm.A striking 19th century oil on canvas, framed portrait painting, probably Northern European, probably Italian and in the Italian renaissance style.A provocative scene which is not immediately obvious, featuring a finely painted church or convent with finely decorated biblical wall scenes and 2 central figures. A crouching artist with a palette board in his left hand is appealing to a young nun of beauty, amour et seduction, the artist is holding both her hands in his right whilst she is showing some restraint.A skilful cartoon, perhaps a scene from a play or fable. The characters wear renaissance clothing within a convent, or high church, behind the nun stands a mother and child portrait he is painting, probably a commission on behalf of the church. The artist sits on an Italian sgabello chair.A remarkable painting with accurate content and skilfully illustrated, demonstrating a competent hand,...