Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1910s.
This charming portrait of a pretty young girl, Gwynedd Rees Price, dates from the early 1900s; the little girl, wearing traditional Welsh dress, sits on a late 17th century oak chair and looks at the viewer with an air of peace and tranquillity.
Gwnedd wears a coral necklace, which, from Roman times and through the Middle Ages was believed to have healing properties and to avert the attentions of the 'evil eye'; for these reasons it was often hung round children's necks as a protection.
The portrait, in its original frame, is signed, upper left, by the artist.
W.G. GILLIES exhibited between 1890 and 1924. He lived at West Regent Street, Glasgow.
(He must not be confused with the more famous William George Gillies, who was a modernist landscape and still life painter.)
The canvas bears a stencil verso of the supplier "G. Davidson. Artist's Colourman. 123 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow".
SIZE: 50.5 x 40.25 inches inc. frame.
PROVENANCE: by direct descent from the sitter, through the family.
Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1910s.
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
Sold....portrait of Miss Gwnedd Rees Price, by W.g. Gillies.
