Offered by GSLR Antiques
Large portrait of a young lady walking in the countryside. Dressed in an antique-style white linen gown with pink silk sash, she wears a straw hat filled with field flowers hanging from her wrist with a ribbon. In her left hand, she holds a nest full of chicks, which she protects with her right hand. A ceremonial portrait, this large-format work is presented in a gilded wood frame with palmettes. The overall effect is spectacular. Made by an unidentified master, as it is unfortantely unsigned. Empire period, 1810s.
The nest of fledglings in portraits or sculpture is a symbol of fertility. We can assume that this portrait shows a young bride, work ordered by her future husband who was proud to present the portrait of the mother of his future children.
The portrait is charming and fresh: the young lady is pretty, and seems to be “alive”: she is looking the viewer straight in the eyes, the composition is clear and cheerful in its choice of colors, the blue sky, the light dress standing out against lush nature, the care taken with the flowers, which are scrupulously painted au naturel. It's a beautiful painting, with a real presence. The original Empire oak frame is of museum quality.
A fine amateur piece.
Very good condition, the painting has been cleaned and restored by our restorer (canvas lined on panel), the gilded wooden frame cleaned and restored by our gilder.
Frame dimensions: 108 by 135.3cm
Canvas dimensions: 89 by 117cm
