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The DOWDESWELLS are an old Gloucestershire family where they lived at Pull Court near Tewksbury from the 15th to the 19th century.
In the 19th c. the house was sold and is now a school.
MICHAEL DAHL (1659-1743) was born in Stockholm; after studying in Paris, Rome and Frankfurt he settled in London in 1689. He soon became the best patronised portrait painter in England after Kneller. He was much employed at the Court painting many portraits; a great patron of the 1690s was the Duke of Somerset, for whom he painted the series of portraits of Court ladies known as the 'Petworth Beauties'.
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His style is extremely close to Kneller but his interpretation of character is less brash and more human. He has a quieter but somehow more understanding appeal to character which relies on its own integrity to make its impact; his works are of a real distinction.
At his best he was a finer portraitist than any of his contemporaries, with a softer and more gentle technique than Kneller's, which was especially suitable for his portraits of women.
This painting is absolutely typical of Dahl's highly skilled sensitive portraiture and is of great quality, allowing one to gain an insight into the character of the sitter; here Mary looks out at the viewer with a quiet and intelligent good humour...in every way this is a superb painting.
Size: 35.25 x 26.75 inches canvas size.
43 x 34.75 inches inc. frame.
Provenance: by descent through the Dowdeswell family of Pull Court.
with Frost and Reed of St. James's, London.
with Anderson Galleries, Chicago.
American Private Collection.
(Verso: old dealer's labels).
NOTE- PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE SHIPPING
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art Profile Page
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Sold....portrait of Mary Dowdeswell C.1695; by Michael Dahl
