James Stephanoff, Portrait of Miss Smernove - Antique Watercolour

Name: James Stephanoff, Portrait of Miss Smernove - Antique Watercolour
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA947851
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This charming portrait of Miss Smernove by British artist, James Stephanoff (1784-1874) is rendered with a masterful touch. It depicts the confident young lady wearing a white high-waisted neo-classical dress with a gold wrap. Her hair is styled into coils and she carries the expression of a woman with the world at her feet. Around her, an abundance of treasures highlight her evident means. The rug, urn, drapery, and chest are purposely crammed into the scene.

Stephanoff was just 27 when he produced this portrait and at the beginning of an exciting career. In 1811, he exhibited a work with the same name at the Royal Academy (RA) and it’s plausible that this is it. At the time, the RA had an area to show drawings, which includes watercolours. Later in his career, he was appointed ‘Historical Painter in Watercolours to King William IV’ and contributed to raising the standard of watercolour painting more broadly. This beautiful work is indicative of his natural talent and it captures the spirit of this splendid young lady.

Signed/dated in the lower left and housed within a 19th-century gilt frame.

Learn more about James Stephanoff in our directory.

Medium: Watercolour

Overall size: 17” x 21” / 44cm x 53cm

Year of creation: 1811

Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some wear.

Artist’s auction highlight: £65,000 achieved for a watercolour in 1994.

Physical Dimensions

Height

53cm (20.87")

Width

44cm (17.32")

Depth

5cm (1.97")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1800s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA947851

Description

This charming portrait of Miss Smernove by British artist, James Stephanoff (1784-1874) is rendered with a masterful touch.

“

It depicts the confident young lady wearing a white high-waisted neo-classical dress with a gold wrap.

Brave Fine Art

Her hair is styled into coils and she carries the expression of a woman with the world at her feet. Around her, an abundance of treasures highlight her evident means. The rug, urn, drapery, and chest are purposely crammed into the scene.

fig 1. James Stephanoff, Portrait Of Miss Smernove - Antique Watercolour — fig 1. James Stephanoff, Portrait of Miss Smernove - Antique Watercolour

Stephanoff was just 27 when he produced this portrait and at the beginning of an exciting career. In 1811, he exhibited a work with the same name at the Royal Academy (RA) and it’s plausible that this is it. At the time, the RA had an area to show drawings, which includes watercolours. Later in his career, he was appointed ‘Historical Painter in Watercolours to King William IV’ and contributed to raising the standard of watercolour painting more broadly. This beautiful work is indicative of his natural talent and it captures the spirit of this splendid young lady.