LARGE ca. 1790 ANTIQUE OIL PORTRAIT WOMAN MONA LISA SMILE

  

The simple style of the woman's dress and of this original frame indicates. This portrait is pre-Victorian, probably done around 1800 or even earlier. Most portraits of the period show the sitter with a stern or at best a neutral expression.

"Smiling was not a public act in those days". But this portrait is different! This woman's essential sweet nature. Or a happy secret -- shows through here in her gentle smile and subtle twinkle in the eyes. These photos do not really do justice to the subtleties of her face, her expression, and.

How finely it is painted. This portrait is in good condition, with some careful inpainting and toucn-up painting. On the black dress and green background. The canvas is about 22x27 and the frame.

The frame is in very good antique condition with only a couple of very minor dings. The frame is about 2-1/2 deep.

The frame color is a deeper bronze than shows in the first photos. The canvas is in sturdy condition with no tears, holes, water damage, mold. Or dry rot that I can see. The few spots on the back of the canvas are dirt which. Does not weaken or damage the canvas in any way.

We have not attempted to remove them. This is an excellent piece in the antique portrait tradition with the added bonus of the happy. I cannot find a signature.