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.

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Medium: Watercolour
Overall size: 17” x 21” / 44cm x 53cm
Year of creation: 1811
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £65,000 achieved for a watercolour in 1994.