Early 20th-Century Belgian School

Portrait Of A Woman In A Feathered Hat

Early 20th-Century Belgian School

Portrait Of A Woman In A Feathered Hat

This early 20th-century oil painting depicts a fabulous lady wearing a grey dress, coral necklace and feathered hat.

During the 1900s/1910s, a remarkable hat was a prerequisite for any high society female with many of these featuring bird feathers, as we see here. Such was the desire for the most exotic and unusual feathers that the industry quickly became a multi-million-pound empire. It’s also reported that on occasion women would hunt for their own feathered friends, dressed in fineries with shotguns in hand.

This specific outfit follows the rigours of the day but it’s embellished with particularly decorous cuffs. She also displays a selection of splendid rings.

The artist is unknown but it’s reminiscent of works by Belgian painter Jacques Madyol (1874-1950) who studied at the Brussels Academy of Fine Arts.

Held within a gilt frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 36½” x 42” / 91cm x 107cm
Year of creation: c. 1910
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed on reverse.
Provenance: Private collection, Belgium.
Condition: Artwork presents well. 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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