This early-19th-century French School oil painting depicts a young doe-eyed girl wearing an empire dress.
Dating to the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, this charming portrait captures the beloved daughter of a notable French family. Sitting patiently, this was a significant day in her life, and she’s dressed in the latest fashion - just like her mother.
Empire dresses became popular at the beginning of the 19th century during a revival of styles from Greco-Roman art. Women began to wear loose-fitting, flowing, almost rectangular outfits, in homage to ancient ‘peplos’ and ‘chitons’. For adult women, these were a welcome departure from the rigid corsets previously in fashion - ladies could breathe once again. Daughters were expected to follow suit.
With this in mind, we can safely date the portrait to circa 1810 - a charming survivor, which once hung in a sophisticated residence.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 11½” x 16” / 32cm x 41cm
Year of creation: c. 1810
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscription on reverse referring to 'Monsieur D'andigne'.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Craquelure but the paint is stable. Areas of in-painting. Two old repairs. Stretcher bowed, as shown.
