11.5" W x 13.5" H
This intimate British portrait dates to the late 18th or early 19th century and depicts a mature woman shown bust length against a dark ground. Painted in oil on canvas, the work reflects the restrained and personal nature of Georgian era domestic portraiture, where likeness and character were prioritized over formal display. The sitter is dressed in period attire including a bonnet and ruffled lace collar, elements consistent with late Georgian fashion and British provincial portrait traditions.
The reverse of the canvas bears a handwritten inscription reading, “Caroline Gilde Hammond. This gift of her affectionate father. John Simkin.” The inscription appears period in style and execution and suggests the painting was commissioned or presented as a personal family gift rather than a decorative or commercial work. This rare surviving dedication adds meaningful historical and emotional context to the piece.
The painting is housed in a later 19th century gilt composition frame with beaded and leaf molded details. The frame is period appropriate and complements the painting well, though it likely dates slightly later than the canvas itself. The portrait has undergone historical conservation and stabilization, which is typical and often necessary for works of this age.
Condition:
There is visible canvas wear and loss in the lower left corner, along with areas of paint loss and abrasion to the right side of the sitter. A later backing or lining support is present and is slightly visible at the right edge, peeking from behind the frame. The surface shows age related wear, scattered minor losses, and surface abrasion consistent with an early 19th century canvas. The frame shows wear to the gilt finish, small losses, and surface rubbing throughout, all consistent with age and use.
