Portrait Of An English Woman From The Early 18th Century - By Michael Dahl

A highly decorative and sensitively rendered late 17th/early 18th century oval portrait of a lady by Michael Dahl (1659-1743). Installed in an old frame probably original, carved and gilded. This attractive portrait is typical of the formula Dahl used for his head-and-shoulders images of beauties. It is also a shining example of Dahl's work, at a time when he was in direct competition with the eminent portraitist Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723). The still unknown noble lady is presented against a dark background. Light enters from the right and casts an extravagant shadow, a technique that helps accentuate both the curve of the model's neck and the elegant turn of her head. The sweep of her hair is held in place by shimmering beaded hair ornaments. Within the oval shape of the canvas, this portrait has been carefully conjured to produce a magnificent and striking image. The neat handling of the sitters' ruffled white shirt, the lively way her pink and bronze costume draperies are manipulated. as well as a subtle color palette are typical of Michael Dahl. Michael Dahl (1659-1743) The artist had a wide range of patrons, including members of the royal family, nobility and prominent court officials, as well as London professionals and gentry families. The exact date of this portrait, however, remains a mystery; it is however likely that it was painted in his London studio at Leicester Fields, in which he entered between 1696 and later. While the models' melancholic gaze and graceful pose recall Dahl's imposing images of the beauties of Petworth's court, here Dahl applies his courtly style on a much smaller scale. The result is this intimate, striking and jewel-like portrait. High resolution images on request. Worldwide shipping available. Canvas: 29" x 25" / 74cm x 64cm. Frame: 37" x 32" / 95cm x 74cm