This fine mid-19th-century English school portrait depicts a lady wearing a black dress and white bonnet. She’s probably dressing according to the rules relating to mourning wear.

During the 19th century, widows were expected to adhere to a set of guidelines with regard to their attire. These were quite prescriptive and mourning began with a period of black - no jewellery, frills or colour. To dress otherwise was considered controversial. Over the years following a bereavement, widows could gradually introduce minor alterations until their final stage of mourning, known as ‘lesser mourning’. The white bonnet and cuffs indicate that this particular lady is in this final stage.

Following Prince Albert’s bereavement in 1861, Victorians adopted black more readily, akin to a fashion statement. But this portrait is earlier and dates to around 1850.

It’s a fine piece that’s housed within an impressive, and extensively decorated, scroll and foliate gilt frame. The reverse bears a storage label from Newcastle.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 36” x 41” / 92cm x 104cm
Year of creation: c. 1850
Condition: Artwork presents well. Craquelure but the paint is stable. Canvas relined. Frame with some light wear.