What characterises Victorian oil portraiture from the mid-19th century?

Mid-19th century Victorian oil portraits typically feature formal poses, refined naturalism, and detailed depictions of contemporary dress and hairstyles. Artists frequently utilised oval spandrels or interior apertures to focus viewer attention on the subjects features.

What materials were traditionally used in 19th-century framed oil portraits?

These artworks were executed using oil paints ground with linseed oil applied to stretched linen or cotton canvas. Frames were constructed from timber with plaster or composition mouldings, finished with gilding using genuine gold leaf.

How can one identify an authentic 19th-century oil portrait?

Authentic period paintings exhibit natural craquelure patterns across the paint surface and age-appropriate oxidisation on the rear timber stretchers and canvas. Historic framing techniques such as corner keys, hand-carved accents, and original gilding wear also indicate age.

How can an antique oil portrait be styled in a modern interior?

A ornate gilt-framed portrait serves as an effective focal point when placed above a sideboard, mantelpiece, or desk. Positioning classical artwork against modern neutral or dark accent walls creates a balanced visual contrast between historic and contemporary elements.

How should an antique oil painting and gilt frame be maintained?

Keep the canvas away from direct sunlight, heating radiators, and fluctuating humidity levels to prevent warping and paint detachment. Dust the frame and surface gently with a dry, soft camel-hair brush, avoiding liquids or chemical cleaning agents.

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Id #SA1231420

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C1857 Oil Portrait of Sarah Sophia Wood by John Wood

Name: C1857 Oil Portrait of Sarah Sophia Wood by John Wood
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1231420
Price: 9500 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Description

1857 Oil Portrait of Sarah Sophia Wood by John Wood

An intimate mid-Victorian oil portrait by John Wood (1801–1870), traditionally identified as Mrs George Wood, Sarah Sophia Wood, née Clark.

The sitter has historically been described as John Wood’s sister-in-law, giving this attractive portrait considerable family-history interest.

Presented quarter-length within an oval composition, Mrs Wood turns gently away while directing her gaze towards the viewer. Her complexion is sensitively modelled, with the pale lace-trimmed dress and black neck ribbon contrasting elegantly against her dark hair and restrained background.

The stretcher retains the historic handwritten inscription:

“Portrait of Mrs George Wood / John Wood / 1857”

The painting is unsigned to the front.

Artist

John Wood (1801–1870), British.

Wood worked within the nineteenth-century academic tradition, producing portraiture alongside historical, religious and literary subjects.

Provenance

By descent in the artist’s family.

Hansons Auctioneers & Valuers, The Library Auction – Including Rare & Collectable, 5 September 2023, Lot 151.

Thereafter curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

Dimensions

Canvas approximately 50 × 37.5 cm.

Framed approximately 79 × 68 × 5 cm.

Condition Report

Good, honest condition consistent with age, displaying craquelure and minor age-related surface marks. The elaborate gilt frame has expected historic wear, chips and small losses.

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available.

Owing to the substantial dimensions and weight of the framed portrait, it will be professionally packaged using appropriate protective materials and dispatched fully insured.

International buyers are welcome. Please contact us for a destination-specific delivery quotation or to discuss any particular shipping requirements.

Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.

Attribution and Research

The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.

These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®

Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.

Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.

Additional photographs and further information are available upon request.

Physical Dimensions

Height

79cm (31.10")

Width

68cm (26.77")

Depth

5cm (1.97")

Declaration

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this Victorian Oil Portrait Painting to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1231420

Dealers Internal Reference

CAC-SK-0140

Dealers Notes

Delivery shipping information

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD ship worldwide, using fully insured and online tracked delivery services like DHL, DPD, Parcelforce or Fedex also the British Shop. We offer Free national Delivery to England mainland, Wales mainland & Scottish lowland mainland areas only.

We offer Free UK mainland delivery only, international shipping to USA, Canada, Europe. All other countries rest of the world please get in touch for a shipping quote.

Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art & Antique pieces which we sell.

We bespoke pack & wrap extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in great as described condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items which can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approximate. 2-5 working days for the United Kingdom mainland & International delivery between 5-14 working days.

Returns Policy

We offer a 14-day money-back refund policy

(excluding the cost of Postage & Packaging costs & any duties, taxes customs charges paid on buyers behalf or buy the buyer direct ).

CONTACT US:

Please feel free to call us.

We have a friendly & professional team on hand who are here to help you with any queries you may have.

Tel: 07494763382

Outside the UK:

Phone or text: 0044 7494763382

PAYMENT:

Our primary payment method is by (BACS) & International bank wire transfer, we can email you an invoice with our banking details upon request. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.

Customs Payment & Brexit

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance charges and any other customs charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.

Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.

If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.

Description

1857 Oil Portrait of Sarah Sophia Wood by John Wood

“

An intimate mid-Victorian oil portrait by John Wood (1801–1870), traditionally identified as Mrs George Wood, Sarah Sophia Wood, née Clark.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

The sitter has historically been described as John Wood’s sister-in-law, giving this attractive portrait considerable family-history interest.

fig 1. A Victorian oil painting on canvas depicting a young woman with dark hair tied with a black ribbon, displayed within an intricate pierced gold gilt frame with an oval aperture. — fig 1. C1857 Oil Portrait of Sarah Sophia Wood by John Wood

Presented quarter-length within an oval composition, Mrs Wood turns gently away while directing her gaze towards the viewer. Her complexion is sensitively modelled, with the pale lace-trimmed dress and black neck ribbon contrasting elegantly against her dark hair and restrained background.

fig 2. A Victorian oil painting on canvas depicting a young woman with dark hair tied with a black ribbon, displayed within an intricate pierced gold gilt frame with an oval aperture. — fig 2. C1857 Oil Portrait of Sarah Sophia Wood by John Wood

The stretcher retains the historic handwritten inscription:

“Portrait of Mrs George Wood / John Wood / 1857”

The painting is unsigned to the front.

Artist

John Wood (1801–1870), British.

Wood worked within the nineteenth-century academic tradition, producing portraiture alongside historical, religious and literary subjects.

fig 3. A Victorian oil painting on canvas depicting a young woman with dark hair tied with a black ribbon, displayed within an intricate pierced gold gilt frame with an oval aperture. — fig 3. C1857 Oil Portrait of Sarah Sophia Wood by John Wood

Provenance

By descent in the artist’s family.

Hansons Auctioneers & Valuers, The Library Auction – Including Rare & Collectable, 5 September 2023, Lot 151.

Thereafter curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

fig 4. A Victorian oil painting on canvas depicting a young woman with dark hair tied with a black ribbon, displayed within an intricate pierced gold gilt frame with an oval aperture. — fig 4. C1857 Oil Portrait of Sarah Sophia Wood by John Wood

Dimensions

Canvas approximately 50 × 37.5 cm.

Framed approximately 79 × 68 × 5 cm.

Condition Report

Good, honest condition consistent with age, displaying craquelure and minor age-related surface marks. The elaborate gilt frame has expected historic wear, chips and small losses.

fig 5. A Victorian oil painting on canvas depicting a young woman with dark hair tied with a black ribbon, displayed within an intricate pierced gold gilt frame with an oval aperture. — fig 5. C1857 Oil Portrait of Sarah Sophia Wood by John Wood

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available.

Owing to the substantial dimensions and weight of the framed portrait, it will be professionally packaged using appropriate protective materials and dispatched fully insured.

fig 6. A Victorian oil painting on canvas depicting a young woman with dark hair tied with a black ribbon, displayed within an intricate pierced gold gilt frame with an oval aperture. — fig 6. C1857 Oil Portrait of Sarah Sophia Wood by John Wood

International buyers are welcome. Please contact us for a destination-specific delivery quotation or to discuss any particular shipping requirements.

Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.

fig 7. A Victorian oil painting on canvas depicting a young woman with dark hair tied with a black ribbon, displayed within an intricate pierced gold gilt frame with an oval aperture. — fig 7. C1857 Oil Portrait of Sarah Sophia Wood by John Wood

Attribution and Research

The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.

fig 8. A Victorian oil painting on canvas depicting a young woman with dark hair tied with a black ribbon, displayed within an intricate pierced gold gilt frame with an oval aperture. — fig 8. C1857 Oil Portrait of Sarah Sophia Wood by John Wood

These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.

fig 9. A Victorian oil painting on canvas depicting a young woman with dark hair tied with a black ribbon, displayed within an intricate pierced gold gilt frame with an oval aperture. — fig 9. C1857 Oil Portrait of Sarah Sophia Wood by John Wood

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®

Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.

Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.

Additional photographs and further information are available upon request.