Year: 19th Century
Size: 35cm x 30cm
Medium: Oil
Description: Fine 19th century English School portrait traditionally identified as Mary Shelley (1797-1851) seated and holding a book, oil on board. Excellent quality and condition for its age depicting her seated at a desk wearing a green dress with a book in one hand with similar green and gold detailing to early editions of her books. The resemblance of the sitter is distinctly like Shelley with her distinct deep set eyes comparable to the few other known portraits of Shelley. To the reverse is an old note attached to the painting. Presented in an antique gilt frame. Measurements: 35cm x 30cm framed approxNotes A contemporary manuscript inscription on the reverse passes-on the portrait to '..dear Nellie...' with instructions to forward the same to the sitters Godchild '...with her God-Mother's kind love ....'.The gilt gesso frame bears a label for E.F.Watson. Carver, Gilder & Plate Glass Factor. No. 201 Piccadilly.
Provenance: Private UK collection