Folk Art, Portrait

Dimensions: 21 ¾” H x 18” W x 1 ⅛” D

A heartwarming, late 19th century French oil-on-linen portrait of a young girl bearing a garland of pink flowers, painted in a technique of folk art naivety for emotional, rather than realistic, effect. Likely a posthumous portrait, sadly, works like these were common in the 19th century to immortalize the departed–a life cut short by unfortunate circumstances–in a medium (paint) that is more conducive to reflecting idealized memory than the truth of photography. Her fair complexion, the white dress with blue satin sash and matching necklace are a welcome counterpoint of youthful vitality against the bleak landscape behind her. The viewer is drawn in by her hazel eyes focused in an arresting stare. Sold unframed, please view the detailed images to see more of this curious painting.