A highly decorative and sensitively rendered early 18th century portrait of a lady by Michael Dahl (1659-1743). The graceful sitter is depicted half length within an oval cartouche. She wears an elegant oyster coloured silk dress and shawl which is the typical costume of aristocratic ladies of the period.This attractive portrait is typical of the formula used by Dahl for his head-and-shoulder images of beauties. It is also a shimmering example of Dahl''s oeuvre, at a time when he was in direct competition with the pre-eminent portraitist Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723). The as yet unknown noble lady is presented against a dark background. Light enters from the right and casts an extravagant shadow, a technique that helps to accentuate both the curve of the sitters neck and also the elegant turn of her head.The crisp handling of the sitters frilled white chemise, the lively way in which her costume and drapery are handled. as well as an interesting colour palette are all ty...