Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill
Late 17th Century / Early 18th Century English School Antique Oil on Canvas Portrait Depicting a Young Girl with Cherries, Circa 1700
Late 17th Century / Early 18th Century English School Antique Oil on Canvas Portrait Depicting a Young Girl with Cherries, Circa 1700
Couldn't load pickup availability
A charming late‑17th- to early-18th-century oval oil on canvas depicting a young country girl holding a basket of ripe cherries. The sitter is rendered with a gentle naturalism characteristic of provincial English portraiture of the period: soft modelling, warm flesh tones, and a direct, unguarded gaze that lends the work its disarming immediacy.
The composition evokes the pastoral ideal of Arcadia, where rural labour and innocence are intertwined. Cherries, long associated with purity, sweetness, and the fleeting nature of youth, reinforce the portrait's symbolic undertone while grounding it firmly in the visual language of the time.
The painting survives in rare original condition, retaining its early surface and presenting beautifully with the honest patina collectors prize. The oval format — always more costly to produce — suggests a commission of some significance, likely for a prosperous rural household. The sitter and artist are both unknown.
A quietly poetic and highly decorative portrait, full of warmth and character, and a fine example of early English vernacular art.
Provenance: England, circa 1700
Material: Oil on canvas. Presented in a gilt-gesso frame.
Condition: In original, untouched condition.
Dimensions: H: 97cm (38.2in) x W: 62cm (24.4in) x D: 4cm (1.6in)
🚚✈️🚢 We ship worldwide!
You can buy with 100% confidence too!
We are a member of the following 4 Professional Associations:
1. LAPADA (London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association) – LAPADA is the UK’s largest trade association for professional art & antique dealers (representing approximately 500 UK dealer members). All items are backed by our LAPADA guarantee;
2. CINOA –Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Oeuvres d'Art, (or International Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers' Associations) is the world association of art & antique dealer associations (representing 5000 dealers from 32 associations in 22 countries);
3. The Norfolk & Suffolk Antique Dealers Association - Representing reputable, high quality antiques dealers based in Norfolk and Suffolk; and
4. FSB - Federation of Small Business.
Wish to purchase this item?
1. Buy online via this website; OR
2. Tel: 00 44 7551 383897 (line open 9.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Saturday UK time) where we can take payment over the phone.
Want further information about an item or wish to discuss shipping costs?
1. Email us via this website; OR
2. Email us via:
info@holtantiquefurniture.com
We will aim to respond and make contact with you within 24 hours of receipt of your enquiry.
🚚✈️🚢 Shipping & Customs Information
Please Note: Prices shown exclude customs clearance fees. Where applicable, these charges will be levied directly by your receiving courier, designated importer, or local government authority. These fees vary by destination and are the responsibility of the buyer. For guidance on potential charges, we recommend contacting your local customs office prior to purchase.
