Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill
A Small 18th Century Continental School Antique Portrait of an Aristocratic Lady, circa 1760
A Small 18th Century Continental School Antique Portrait of an Aristocratic Lady, circa 1760
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A small 18th-century Continental school oil on canvas portrait of an aristocratic lady, presented in an associated later frame.
The sitter and artist are unknown.
Historic Context
This small portrait likely dates to the mid-18th century, based on the sitter’s attire and stylistic execution. The powdered hair, modest neckline, and soft palette suggest 18th-century Rococo sensibilities, possibly reflecting provincial portraiture or a travelling artist’s commission.
This portrait appears to be in the style of Rococo portraiture, specifically resembling the work of artists from the mid-18th century. Based on the characteristics, it shows similarities to:
Austrian/German court portraiture - The style, costume, and painting technique suggest influences from artists working in Central European courts, such as:
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Martin van Meytens (1695-1770) - Court painter to Maria Theresa of Austria
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Anton Raphael Mengs (1728-1779) - German painter who worked across European courts
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Works in the manner of Johann Georg Ziesenis or similar court portraitists
- Soft, delicate brushwork typical of the Rococo period, with porcelain-like rendering of skin.
- Attention to luxurious fabrics and jewellery.
- Formal yet intimate three-quarter pose
- Dark, atmospheric background contrasting with the illuminated subject
- The decorative quality is typical of court miniatures or smaller formal portraits
Portraits of this scale were often created for domestic interiors, personal remembrance, or devotional use. The current frame, though not original, complements the work and reflects later 19th-century or early 20th-century taste in presentation. Such pieces offer collectors a glimpse into 18th-century domestic aesthetics and the evolving tradition of portrait display.
A refined and evocative study of 18th-century Rococo-era dress and character, available from Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill.
Provenance: 18th-century. Continental in origin. In the private collection of the owner of Holt Antiques until now.
Condition: Please refer to the images. Re-lined onto card. There is a slight raised element to the surface of the painting adjacent to her left shoulder. She does however display well.
Dimensions: With frame: Height 29 cm × Width 23.75 cm (11.4 × 9.35 inches). Without frame: Height 20.5 cm × Width 15.25 cm (8.07 × 6 inches).
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