An exquisite mid-19th-century portrait of a lady in a black dress by Austrian painter, August Georg Mayer (1834-1889).

She holds her hand to her heart and reveals a gleaming golden band, which is presumably either her engagement or wedding ring. Her eyes reveal a sensitivity and clearly this portrait is a gesture of love towards her husband.

The artist, August Georg Mayer (1834-1889), has rendered her skin with a great degree of skill and even the veins in her hands are visible.

Mayer studied at the Vienna Academy and his works are held in private collections worldwide.

The portrait is signed/dated in the lower left.