A charming early 19th-century portrait of a lady wearing an elegant blue dress with impressive gigot sleeves.

How do you read her expression? I’m seeing a cheekiness and a zest for life. She’s also leaning forwards to engage with the viewer.

During the 1830s, sleeves were oversized between the shoulder and elbow. This unusual fashion coined the term ‘gigot sleeves’, which was derived from the French word for the back leg of an animal. They were also referred to as ‘leg-of-mutton’ sleeves.

Our lady in blue is accessorising with a fashionably large belt and a gold buckle.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 19½” x 24” / 50cm x 61cm
Year of creation: c. 1830
Provenance: France
Condition: Craquelure throughout with a few minor paint losses including a little dot above her head. Minor restorations. Scuffing along the edges. Canvas relined.