This splendid early 18th-century oil painting depicts a lady wearing a russet dress with a blue sash.

Her outfit is synonymous with the period and perhaps inspired by the future Queen Anne in this 1694 portrait by Godfrey Kneller.

Indeed, the lady portrayed resembles the Princess and it's entirely feasible that it was commissioned for an aristocratic home. However, such was the stylised nature of portraiture during this period, women are often hard to differentiate.

The circle of Swedish artist Michael Dahl (1659-1743) is often associated with similar representations, as seen here in this portrait of “Miss Burrell”. Dahl was a highly-regarded Swedish portraitist who worked predominantly in England.

Whoever this fine lady is, the artist has captured her underlying strength with some distinction. It's an assertive piece from a fascinating chapter in British history.

Held within a later frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 29½” x 34½” / 75cm x 87cm
Year of creation: c. 1720
Provenance: Private collection, Germany.
Condition: Artwork presents well. During the late 19th century, the portrait was restored, relined, and attached to a new stretcher. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.