Portrait of Three Ladies in Fancy Dress, 19th Century, Attributed to Charles Baxter Rba (1809-1879)

Exquisite group portrait of three sophisticated ladies in fancy dress, oil on canvas. The elegant costumes are of the tudor period, one lady portrayed as Mary Queen of Scots. Female beauty was much prized in the 19th Century. For the first time, large numbers of pictures were painted whose sole raison d’être was a depiction of such beauty; not so much in the form of specific portraiture, but more as a homage to feminine beauty in its own right.

Charles Baxter was born in London, the son of a bookclasp maker. He worked as a portrait and miniature painter, encouraged by George Clint ARA, whom he met 1834. He exhibited 45 works, mostly portraits, at the Royal Academy between 1834 and 1872, three at the British Institute during 1846-49, and 154 at the SBA 1837-79, of which he was elected Member in 1842.

His poetic and rustic subjects, and particularly his fancy ‘keepsake’ portraits based on the style of Sir Thomas Lawrence were very popular and were reproduced as fine engravings from which he received substantial royalties. Baxter painted beauties of all social classes, but ultimately his favourite subjects were that of the aristocracy. He died in 1879 in Lewisham, London. His studio sale was at Christie's 15 March 1879.

In excellent condition. Held in a astounding 18th century gilt carved and gesso swept frame, excellent condition. The frame itself is a work of art and highly desirable.

Provenance: Property of a titled Lady; Julian Simon Fine Art, London (gallery sale details are available)

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