A sublime late 19th-century portrait of a lady in a theatrical outfit by Austrian painter, Franz Russ the Elder (1817-1892). She looks down, lost in a moment - her eyes caught somewhere between loss and love (or perhaps both).
Given the outfit, we feel that it’s probably a portrait of an actress, maybe the leading lady in a classical performance. If you can place the outfit, do let us know - the hair is particularly interesting. The painting originated in Austria.
Franz Russ the Elder produced portraits and religious works that were characterised by their exquisite detail and delicate brushwork. He was an artist that worked in the classical tradition and was influenced by the old Italian masters. His two sons, Franz and Robert, were also painters.
In 2008, a pair of portraits by Russ the Elder sold for £13,687 at auction.
The painting is signed in the lower left.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 23½” x 28” / 60cm x 71cm
Year of creation: c. 1860
Provenance: Austria
Condition: Craquelure but the paint layer is stable. Signs of historic restoration. Frame with some age-related wear including some minor losses.
Artist’s auction highlight: £13,687 achieved for ‘Kaiser Franz Josef I und Kaiserin Elisabeth’ at an auction in 2008.
