Dominique Erra, Portrait Of A Woman With A Straw Bonnet

Dominique Erra, Portrait Of A Woman With A Straw BonnetThis charming early 19th century portrait by Italian artist, Dominique Erra (1768 1830) depicts a woman wearing a high waisted lilac empire style dress with a splendid straw bonnet, topped with a floral embellishment. Doe eyed, rather merry, and certainly proud of having her portrait done, she looks out towards the viewer with almost 200 years of history. Nothing is known of her identity but its likely that the portrait once hung in the family home.

In ‘Children Acting the Play Scene from Hamlet

Bartholomeus van der Helst (1613-1670)

At just eight years old

He’s predominantly known for his portraits - one of which is held at the Museum of Aalborg

His father was a picture dealer

grimy industry

this piece breaks them

the creak of a wooden chair breaks the silence

While several horse-drawn carriages are rattling their way through the centre of the composition

He certainly has a fierce look to him

Alexandre Marcette trained under Jan Portaels (1818-1895) and Louis Artan at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels

Bonnat’s precise