Portrait of a Lady, Dated 1876; Signed John Robert Dicksee (1817 - 1905)

Oil on canvas.

The fact that this lady is painted alone panders to the popularity of Victorian images of solitary female figures. The painting is at once a portrait and a celebration of female beauty. 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. The dreamlike gaze adds an element of romanticism.

The entire work has been painted with great skill and precision with the artist carefully observing the face and hands. The treatment of the fabrics is outstanding, notably the white silk with the floral pattern, and the fluid handling and beautiful rendering shows all the vigour and style of the Victorian portrait. This tender portrayal of femininity and idealised beauty is exceptionally appealing and the finest example of the artist’s work that we have encountered.

Signed with a monogram (JRD) and dated 1876 lower left. On the reverse of the antique frame is a label containing the artist’s name and registered stock number.

John Robert Dicksee (1817 - 1905) was an English painter, primarily known for finely executed portraits of pretty young women . He came from a family of artists. His son, Herbert Dicksee was a painter, etcher and mezzotint engraver and was known particularly for his portrayal of animal subjects, namely lions and dogs. His works were executed primarily from life, and he kept many pets for inspiration. John's brother Thomas Francis Dicksee (1819-1895) was also a painter, along with Thomas’ son, Sir Frank (Francis Bernard) Dicksee (1853-1928) and his daughter, Margaret. Sir Frank was president of the Royal Academy from 1924 until his death. John had a son, Herbert, according to the City of London school where Herbert attended.

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