SWISS SCHOOL (circa 1830)
Portrait miniature of an Unknown Lady, wearing a purple dress
Watercolour on ivory
Gold locket
Oval, 65mm. (2 ½ in.) high
£2,850
A similar story can be told about hair styles of the second half of the decade. Whereas in the earlier years topknots and rolls on the top of the head were common, styles again moved downwards, and were defined by middle parts, and loops surrounding the ears, as were styled by Queen Victoria. Therefore, whoever the sitter in this portrait was, she was a lady of fashion and aware of the styles of the time.
She is also adorned with fine jewellery, a sign of her status. Long earrings and a large necklace accentuate the length of her neck, a sign of beauty, and fill the otherwise empty space between the height of her hair and the somewhat low cut of her dress, which sits in the middle of her shoulders. As has been stated- this is very much a depiction of the fashion, and feel, of the romantic period, in which there was an emphasis on emotion and drama, which can certainly be sensed here.
[1] Fashion History Timeline, ‘1830-1839’, https://fashionhistory.fitnyc.edu/1830-1839/ .
Bonhams, London, 19 November 2014, lot 150;
Private Collection, UK.
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