The beautifully untouched half-length portrait in rectangular form of a lady, wearing a lace bonnet and burgundy overcoat to a dark ground, painted in oils on canvas and surviving from the latter part of nineteenth century Scotland in its original thick moulded and gilded frame.
Unknown.
As with the ‘selfie’ today, portraits were also a chance for more self-conscious sitters to be depicted in the latest fashions. In the eighteenth century, the upper classes entered a new era of prosperity. No longer the preserve of royalty, commissioned portraits, of oneself or one’s ancestors, became a coveted symbol of wealth and status which continued even more so in the nineteenth century. The portraits took pride of place in the home or were given to others as gifts.
Very much your Miss Havisham at Satis House kind of picture.
The portrait remains in completely original attic find condition with no over-painting or attempted restoration, and is in distressed order, though with no losses or holes, she is very dirty and has not been cleaned or varnished. Please refer to the photographs for a full visual reference.
By appointment only.
