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 �d�colletage�. 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,...