This charming mid-19th-century portrait of a seated young lady once hung in a family home in France and was looked upon fondly over the years. She’s wearing a white bell-shaped dress with a blue ribbon and black shoes. Her left hand placed affectionately on the family dog.

She probably taught the dog to raise its paw and was pleased to demonstrate this during the sitting. Her smile and contented expression suggest a little laughter.

The portrait is housed within a later frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas laid on board
Overall size: 32” x 35½” / 81cm x 90cm
Year of creation: c. 1840
Condition: Craquelure with some paint loss but the paint layer is broadly stable.