This mid-19th-century American folk art painting depicts a young lady wearing a black dress with gold earrings and purple necktie. She’s holding a posy.

During the 1850s, fashion tended to portray women as demure and doll-like with a bell-shaped silhouette. Dresses became voluminous and flesh tended to be covered. With regards to hair, centre partings remained popular with some opting for a low bun and/or puffing out the hair over the ears.

Here, the lady carries a rather pious appearance yet has embellished her outfit with large gold earrings and a fancy clasp on her necktie.

Held in a later frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 30½” x 35½” / 77cm x 90cm
Year of creation: c. 1850
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Fine craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable.