Mid-19th-Century French School, A Pair Of Nanas

Mid-19th-Century French School, A Pair Of NanasThis charming pair of mid 19th century French School portraits depicts two grandmothers, both presumably widows, wearing black gowns and white bonnets. Alas, the identity of these restful octogenarians is unknown, but its intriguing to consider how the two portraits have come into existence. Usually, one would expect a portrait of an older lady to be accompanied by either an older man, or her daughter daughter in law and husband. However, here we see

Medium: Oil on canvasOverall size: 30” x 40” / 77cm x 102cmYear of creation: 1891Provenance: MonacoCondition: Overall very presentable following a light restoration with no significant issues

particularly for yachts

While a shepherd

which were handled with superior draughtsmanship

It’s an audacious display of decadence and wealth

The vivid sunrays radiating from a crack in the clouds are perhaps an optimistic metaphor for better times ahead

he began to pursue a career as an artist

You can imagine Dow rapidly painting this outside - keen to catch the last of the evening’s light

he lived on the Côte d'Azur and his house became a meeting place for Provence-based creatives

Skovgaard (1817-1875) who is considered one of the finest painters of the Danish Golden Age

often capture dramatic vignettes from Denmark’s naval history

he holds our attention