This charming early 20th-century portrait depicts a young Romani with dark deep-set eyes and rouged cheeks. She gazes into the yonder and wears flowers in her hair. Information regarding the portrait is scarce so we can only wonder as to its origin and artist. The young lady’s outfit bears some resemblance to the attire of the ‘Gitanos’, a Romani sub-group stemming from Spain and Portugal.

Perhaps an English artist discovered this vividly dressed lady while on a tour of the continent and quickly sketched her from life. It’s interesting to note the visible pencil marks under the watercolours, which suggest that the work was intended as a study.

Housed in a gilt frame.

Medium: Watercolour on card
Overall size: 15” x 18” / 39cm x 46cm
Year of creation: c. 1910
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear including handling marks.