Early 19th-Century

Portrait Fragment Of A Lady

Early 19th-Century

Portrait Fragment Of A Lady

This beguiling early-19th-century European portrait fragment partially depicts a lady wearing a dress with gigot sleeves.

Glancing to her left somewhat surreptitiously, as if spotting a figure through a concealed upper window, she disappears from view. Leaving little but a bewitching shadow of the woman she once was - a mystifying fragment of skin and lustre. Akin to cracked family porcelain, knocked in a rush.

Produced around 1830, this intriguing piece has been cut down following a significant event, perhaps a fire, which caused considerable damage. Its story has been lost to time but there does appear to be some charring around the periphery. One can imagine the scene when discovered amid burnt furniture, fallen timber, and scorched walls. Perhaps rescued by a family member - or even the lady herself.

Held within a later frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas laid on board
Overall size: 15” x 19” / 38cm x 48cm
Year of creation: c. 1830
Condition: Partially destroyed with obvious losses. Frame with some light wear.

Conservation & History

We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.

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