{"product_id":"late-18th-century-french-school-portrait-of-an-elderly-lady","title":"Late 18th-Century French School, Portrait Of An Elderly Lady","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis late 18th-century French oil painting depicts an older woman wearing a simple linen cap, modest fichu and dark brown gown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePainted around 1790, this quiet piece was evidently created for the home, rather than designed to be ostentatious. Here we see a woman who was cherished, dressed as others would know her. The artist has resisted any temptation to idealise, faithfully recording the softened features and gentle expression that only time can bestow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe restrained composition reflects the finest traditions of late 18th-century French portraiture. Against a dark background, light falls softly across her face, illuminating warm flesh tones and the crisp folds of her white linen. The handling is understated yet accomplished, drawing the viewer's attention entirely towards the sitter's presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne can easily imagine the painting hanging in a family drawing room, where children and grandchildren would recognise the familiar smile of a much-loved mother or grandmother. A reminder that the greatest portraits often preserve not only a likeness, but a personality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeld in a handsome ebonised frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedium: Oil on canvas\u003cbr\u003eOverall size: 28½” x 32½” \/ 72cm x 83cm\u003cbr\u003eYear of creation: c. 1790 \u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection, France.\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Fine craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear.\u003cbr\u003eOur reference: BRV2323\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Brave Fine Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52795683471677,"sku":null,"price":1900.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2508\/9760\/files\/BRV2323_m.jpg?v=1786029766","url":"https:\/\/bravefineart.com\/products\/late-18th-century-french-school-portrait-of-an-elderly-lady","provider":"Brave Fine Art","version":"1.0","type":"link"}