Portrait of Lady in blue
Fine Arts
Inventory number
2026.4.28.2.FA.PA.C1835.GB
Author:
James Warren CHILDE (English, Poole 1780 - 1862 Kensington, London)
Description
Watercolour portrait of a lady in blue, shown seated in a red upholstered armchair within an elegant interior setting. The background includes a red curtain and a window opening onto a landscape with blue sky. The woman is represented half-length, her body turned slightly to the right while her head inclines gently to the left. Her gaze is directed outward and to the side. Her posture is composed. One forearm rests across the arm of the chair, while the other hand is placed lightly over it. Her hair is arranged in an elaborate curled coiffure, with the upper section gathered into raised loops or buns and decorated with a pale pink peony flower. Long ringlets fall on either side of the face and descend toward the neckline, framing the features with carefully arranged curls.
The lady wears a blue silk dress with a broad square neckline and a fitted bodice edged with delicate white lace. At the centre of the bodice is a small gold ornament or pendant, possibly in the form of a floral wreath. The short puffed sleeves are voluminous and gathered at the upper arm, while the waist is marked by a pale belt or sash. The skirt descends from the waist in soft folds, suggesting a light and lustrous textile. The ensemble is completed with refined jewellery: a delicate necklace set with rose-coloured stones, a matching bracelet worn high on the upper arm, and a ring visible on one of her fingers.
Materials
Ivory
Watercolour
Pencil
Metal frame
Origin
circa 1835
Great Britain, probably London
Dimensions
Length : 11 cm
Height : 14 cm