This charming early 18th-century three-quarter length portrait depicts a lady wearing a decolleté blue velvet dress with a slit in the bodice. Red fabric is draped around her, and she holds a posy in her right hand. It’s somewhat reminiscent of works by English artist Maria Verelst (1680-1744).

Produced during the reign of George I, women’s fashion was characterised by luxurious fabrics, such as velvet, and elaborate silhouettes. Status and wealth could be conveyed while retaining one’s decorum, simply through the inclusion of such fabrics. The lady here, who is believed to be a member of the ‘Richards family of Devon’, emphasises her connection to nature via the inclusion of a landscape beyond and a posy of white flowers. During this period, bodices occasionally featured inside pockets for sweet-smelling herbs, designed to give the wearer a pleasant fragrance.

Maria Verelst was born in Vienna but moved to London with her family early in life, where she remained. She was trained by her father, Harman Verelst (1641-1702), and worked with William Aikman (1682 -1731) and Charles Jervas (c.1675-1739).

Held in a contemporary frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 45” x 54½” / 115cm x 139cm
Year of creation: c. 1725
Provenance: By descent from the sitter.
Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame in excellent condition.
Our reference: BRV2129