Small Oil On Canvas "the Reader", 'italian' School, Mid-19th Century.

A young woman, in a red dress, with a neckline highlighted with a white border, reads at the water's edge, lying under a large tree. In the foreground, on the left: the monogram "AG" followed by the date "1845". In the center we notice a river taking all the light as well as a fountain. In the background, stands the tower of a fortification built on a mound. In the background, finally, a mountain range is outlined, under a 'sheep' sky. Beautiful original gilded wood frame, the top in 'semi-circular arch', highlighting this relaxing scene (41x30.5). We can compare this canvas to the work of Achille GALLIER (1814-1871), who went to Italy (Rome) from 1838 to 1861, where he executed 'idealized' views of the Roman countryside.