Pair of Greuze Pastel Portraits, 1800s, Pastel, Framed

Details

Description

A magnificent pair of late 19th-century pastel portraits (a pair), presented in their substantial original giltwood and stucco frames.

These … Read more A magnificent pair of late 19th-century pastel portraits (a pair), presented in their substantial original giltwood and stucco frames.

These exquisitely refined works fit perfectly within the French academic tradition and are inspired by the famous sentimental and allegorical compositions of Jean-Baptiste Greuze.

• Subject 1: Young woman with fair hair holding a bouquet of roses against her chest.

• Subject 2: Young woman wearing a pink ribbon, tenderly holding a dove near its cage (an allegory of Innocence).

An old chalk signature is visible at the bottom of one of the pastels (see photo).

Characteristics and Dimensions:

• Technique: Pastel on paper/cardboard, protected under its original glass.

• Overall dimensions (with frame): 71 cm (height) x 54 cm (width).

• Period: Late 19th century (Third Republic).

• Framing: Period frames richly decorated with a stylized scallop shell pediment, floral scrolls, and roses at the corners.

Condition:

The entire set is in beautiful original aesthetic condition and "as found," guaranteeing its authenticity. The pastels are very fresh and well preserved under glass. The gilt stucco frames show natural shrinkage cracks at the corner joints, as well as slight chips in the gilding (visible in the detail photos), giving the whole a magnificent antique patina. The backing boards and cardboard are original. See less