Small Oil on Copper Portrait

18th century

Sold by Wigs on the Green

Description

Small oil portraits painted on copper, as this work is, were often commissioned as copies from old master portraits to create more portable likenesses. Shown in half-length, this young lady wears a white silk dress trimmed with blue ribbon, a pink shawl draped over her arms. Her hair has been drawn back in a knot that is decorated with a circlet of tiny flowers.

Although the sitter and artist are both unknown, the painting has been influenced by one the leading portraitists of the day, Sir Godfrey Kneller (1666-1736), and so may have been painted by John Zachary Kneller who was known to paint diminutive copies of his brother’s works.

Housed in a pressed brass frame (unglazed), the portrait has inevitably darkened with age and so would benefit from a light clean. It is nonetheless an attractive period piece that displays well.

Framed Size: 210 x 172mm

Physical Dimensions

Height

21cm (8.27")

Width

17cm (6.69")

Declaration

Wigs on the Green has dated this piece to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1213223

Dealers Internal Reference

6896

Dealers Notes

All prices include UK postage. International shipping will be at cost.

Description

Small oil portraits painted on copper, as this work is, were often commissioned as copies from old master portraits to create more portable likenesses.

“

Shown in half-length, this young lady wears a white silk dress trimmed with blue ribbon, a pink shawl draped over her arms.

Wigs on the Green

Her hair has been drawn back in a knot that is decorated with a circlet of tiny flowers.

Although the sitter and artist are both unknown, the painting has been influenced by one the leading portraitists of the day, Sir Godfrey Kneller (1666-1736), and so may have been painted by John Zachary Kneller who was known to paint diminutive copies of his brother’s works.

Housed in a pressed brass frame (unglazed), the portrait has inevitably darkened with age and so would benefit from a light clean. It is nonetheless an attractive period piece that displays well.

Framed Size: 210 x 172mm