This fine late 19th-century portrait by renowned Italian artist Jean Baptiste Discart (1856-1944) depicts a lady wearing a black dress embellished with a lace collar, together with a single yellow rose. It’s catalogued (#3) in Theo P.G. Kralt’s book, Jean Baptiste Discart, Orientalist Paintings and Dutch Portraits. A provocative rose draws one’s eye to the ‘décolletage’. Was it her idea or the bold suggestion of a young Discart, just 21, and bursting with energy? The style of dress came to the fore during the late 19th century and was regarded as somewhat improper by a stoic older generation. But, of course, the glaring eyes only encouraged young ladies to rebel and adopt the fashion regardless. Little is known about the sitter, but it’s conceivable that she’s either Austrian or French, given Discart’s known locations in 1879. It was completed during his training. It bears all the hallmarks of a young and confident painter looking to establish himself.Born in Modena, Italy,...