18th-century American School Portrait of a Lady in Profile

18th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This beautiful 18th-century portrait depicts an elegant lady dressed in a low-necked gown with her hair tied up in a knot.

It dates to around 1765 when this simple style was common in the United States and England. In contrast to the flourishes of the French, the English style was practical and catered to an outdoor lifestyle.

The portrait reminds us of a work by Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) depicting Caroline Cox dressed in a similar way. Note the neckline, hairstyle and right shoulder.

The painting was relined during the 19th-century and carries what appears to be a Christie’s stencil on the reverse. It’s easy to imagine that this was once attributed to an 18th-century master but perhaps that’s been lost over time. We may never know the true story and it’s certainly a very interesting piece.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 17” x 22” / 43cm x 55cm

Year of creation: c. 1765

Provenance: USA

Condition: The painting has several areas of paint loss but the paint layer is now stable following an earlier restoration. The canvas has been relined and bears the marks of its previous frame. Unusually, the bottom part of the neckline appears to have been added later - perhaps by the restorer.

Physical Dimensions

Height

81cm (31.89")

Width

65cm (25.59")

Depth

1cm (0.39")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA694490

Description

This beautiful 18th-century portrait depicts an elegant lady dressed in a low-necked gown with her hair tied up in a knot.

It dates to around 1765 when this simple style was common in the United States and England.

“

In contrast to the flourishes of the French, the English style was practical and catered to an outdoor lifestyle.

Brave Fine Art

fig 1. 18th-century American School Portrait of a Lady in Profile

The portrait reminds us of a work by Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) depicting Caroline Cox dressed in a similar way. Note the neckline, hairstyle and right shoulder.

The painting was relined during the 19th-century and carries what appears to be a Christie’s stencil on the reverse. It’s easy to imagine that this was once attributed to an 18th-century master but perhaps that’s been lost over time. We may never know the true story and it’s certainly a very interesting piece.

fig 2. 18th-century American School Portrait of a Lady in Profile

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 17” x 22” / 43cm x 55cm

Year of creation: c. 1765

Provenance: USA

Condition: The painting has several areas of paint loss but the paint layer is now stable following an earlier restoration. The canvas has been relined and bears the marks of its previous frame. Unusually, the bottom part of the neckline appears to have been added later - perhaps by the restorer.