Antique 19th Century Folk Art Painting Scottish School Circa 1830s

This fabulous watercolour portrait of a lady was produced during the 19th century, circa 1835. Painted by a very talented artist and monogrammed bottom right corner JS or FS.

Provenance: The estate of The late Robert and his wife Lyndsay Brydon, Edinburgh.

Robert Brydon (b 1930 – d 2014) was a Scottish historian and author. Lindsay Sian Brydon (d 2021) was a Scottish art teacher and artist. For more than 50 years the couple resided at their beautiful home in Raeburn Street, Edinburgh.

This fabulous 1830s portrait of a young lady has a great sensitivity surrounding it. The young ladies beautifully pensive expression is one of peace and gentleness, tinged with sadness or even regret or longing? We love the morning light caught on her face, you can almost feel the cold freshness. Due to the plain dress and rather unfussy fashion, we do wonder if this lady belongs to a religious organisation - maybe a Quaker or similar? Her hair is typical of the period being centrally parted with side curls (bangs). However the 1830s was a frivolous period for fashion with hair ornamentation extremely popular. Yet our young lass wears a simple black ribbon. She wears a plain black silk dress with typical sloping shoulders and balloon sleeves of the 1830s. She wears a white wool shawl and holds a book in her hands - reflecting her intellect and the fact that she is an educated woman. We do not feel that this is a mourning portrait, as one would not go to the trouble and expense of commissioning an artist during a period of loss.

Housed behind its original old glass in its original, unopened, very simple period frame.

Measuring: Frame width 9 inch (23 cm) by height 11 inch (28 cm). Aperture width 6 5/8 inch (17 cm) by height 8 5/8 inch (22 cm).

Condition: Light age related toning to paper, seen in our images. Some vertical surface scratching to the paper on her left arm. Area of light surface wear to left side of frame.

ITEM ID:13635