Large portrait of a young lady walking in the countryside. Dressed in an antique-style white linen gown with pink silk sash, she is wearing a straw hat filled with field flowers hanging from her wrist with a ribbon. In her left hand, she holds a nest full of chicks, which she protects with her right hand. A ceremonial portrait, this large-format work is set into a gold leaf gilt wood frame. Painted by an unidentified master, as it is unfortantely unsigned. Empire period, early 19th century circa 1810.
The nest of fledglings is a symbol of fertility in painting and sculpture. We can assume that this portrait shows a young bride ; the work might be ordered by her future husband who was proud to present the portrait of the mother of his future children.
The portrait is charming and fresh : the young lady is pretty, she seems to be “alive” : she is looking at the viewer straight in the eyes, the composition is clear and the choice of colors is cheerful : the blue sky, the light dress standing out against lush nature, the flowers painted with a lot of care, scrupulously painted au naturel. It's a beautiful painting, with a real presence. The original Empire oak frame is of museum quality.
A fine amateur piece in excellent condition : the painting has been cleaned and restored by our restorer (canvas lined on panel), the gilt wood frame is cleaned and restored by our gilder.
Frame : 135.3cm x 108cm
Canvas : 117cm x 89cm
