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Mid-19thC French School Pair Of Portraits, Elderly Ladies, Oil Paintings

c. 1850

US buyers pay no import tariffs on this item. This fine late 19th-century portrait by renowned Italian artist Jean Baptiste Discart (1856-1944) depicts a lady wearing a black dress embellished with a lace collar, together with a single yellow rose. It’s catalogued (#3) in Theo P.G. Kralt’s book, Jean Baptiste Discart, Orientalist Paintings and Dutch Portraits. A provocative rose draws one’s eye to the ‘décolletage’. Was it her idea or the bold suggestion of a young Discart, just 21, and bursting with energy? The style of dress came to the fore during the late 19th century and was regarded as somewhat improper by a stoic older generation. But, of course, the glaring eyes only encouraged young ladies to rebel and adopt the fashion regardless. Little is known about the sitter, but it’s conceivable that she’s either Austrian or French, given Discart’s known locations in 1879. It was completed during his training. It bears all the hallmarks of a young and confident painter looking to establish himself. Born in Modena, Italy, Discart’s father, Francesco Ferdinando, moved in particularly distinguished circles and worked for the Duke of Modena. Indeed, the Duke became young Jean’s godfather, so the pair were well-connected. One can only imagine the ostentatious interiors that he witnessed during childhood, and it’s conceivable that these experiences inspired his appreciation for the finer things in life. At 14, he was enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, where he trained under the German painter, Anselm Feuerbach (1829-1880). It seems that he stayed here until Feuerbach’s retirement in 1877 when the course was handed over to Leopold Carl Müller (1834-1892). His short time under Müller, known for his exquisite ‘orientalist’ work, would be transformative. From here, he left Vienna to immerse himself in the cosmopolitan environs of the French Capital and exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1884. At that point in time, Paris was an exciting place for an emerging artist. In 1884, the Société des Artistes Indépendants held their first show, which included works by Paul Cézanne...

US buyers pay no import tariffs on this item. This endlessly charming mid-19th-century English oil painting depicts a rural scene with a family, cattle, pond, and cottage. A mother...

This splendid early 18th-century French oil painting represents an ‘ex-voto’ with Emilian Jacobin and a depiction of the Virgin Mary with Christ and angels. Ex votos are votive offe...

This exceedingly charming mid-18th-century English oil painting depicts a girl wearing a red gown with a train over a white petticoat. She’s holding a posy or nosegay. Evidently once commissioned for an English country house, the identity of this young lady remains a mystery. Her gown appears to be inspired by the popular ‘robe à la française...

19th century French Portrait of Matron Oil on Aluminum No visible signature 10 x 12.5 unframed, 15.5 x 18 framed

This intimate portrait depicts an elderly lady seated in a chair. She returns the viewer's gaze with a solemn expression. Well presented in a carved gilt-effect frame. Unsigned. On c...

A fine early Victorian portrait of a dignified matronly woman, finely dress in black with a delicate lace bonnet and collar and an exquisite jet necklace. The artist shows a wonderfu...

An American school oval portrait painting of a lady, mid-19th century. canvas: 20 ¼ inches wide by 24 inches tall frame: 27 ½ inches wide by 31 ½ inches tall by 1 ½ inches deep