This charming mid-19th-century European watercolour depicts a young lady riding a grey mare.During the 19th century, aristocratic women adored their horses and rode frequently for pleasure, travel and hunting. As such, riding habits were developed specifically for equestrian activities to cater for the increasing number of fashion-conscious ladies on horseback. Here, in around 1860, the lady is wearing a long black habit - a common colour as it disguises the mud.She’s riding side-saddle as one would expect. Any lady choosing to ride ‘astride’ would’ve been frowned upon and considered unfavourably.The context of this wonderful piece is unknown but it bears two interesting clues. Firstly, it’s monogrammed JH in the lower left on a stone. And secondly, the saddle bears a coat of arms with a crown or coronet. Is she of Royal heritage perhaps?Monogrammed in the lower left, framed (in a contemporary frame of Dutch origin) and glazed.Medium: Watercolour on paperOverall...