This early 20th-century German portrait depicts a young lady wearing a black square-neck dress.

Painted in around 1910, this beautiful portrayal was produced during the Art Nouveau period, which influenced architecture, decorative arts, interior design and fashion. For clothing, designers such as Rouff & Paquin created sumptuous ‘costumes’, which emphasised organic forms and flowing silhouettes. Beads and sequins were also ‘de rigueur’ to add a sense of shimmering glamour.

Here, the square neck combines the Art Nouveau with a nod to the Italian Renaissance. And in this respect, it’s interesting to compare it to Titan’s ‘La Bella’ from 1536.

The sitter and artist are unknown but it’s a captivating piece by a well-trained hand.

Held in a sumptuous gilt frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 27½” x 32½” / 70cm x 83cm
Year of creation: c. 1910
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed with a name on the reverse, potentially relating to the artist or sitter. Possibly ‘Lou __’.
Provenance: Private collection, Germany.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.