This beautiful early 20th-century portrait by British artist Albert Henry Collings (1868-1947) depicts a lady wearing an elaborate silk dress decorated in pink roses and ribbons. She radiates the extravagance of the Rococo period when wealthy women tottered through elaborate interiors immersed in decadent attire.

During the early part of his career, Collings produced a number of works depicting attractive women in costume. Some of these were actresses and it’s interesting to consider whether this lady was performing in a production. She’s reminiscent of Madame de Pompadour and her outfit dates to 1740-1750.

A few years before this watercolour was created, Collings won a gold medal at the illustrious Paris Salon.

Signed, framed and glazed.

Learn more about Albert Henry Collings in our directory.

Medium: Watercolour on paper
Overall size: 26½” x 36½” / 68cm x 93cm
Year of creation: c. 1915
Condition: Areas of foxing - more visible in the lighter areas.
Artist’s auction highlight: £35,000 achieved for an oil painting in 2015.