Early 19th century

The early 19th century portrait of a young girl with blue forget-me-nots and the hint of a basket handle in one hand displays a soft clarity of light and absence of brush stroke textures associated with accomplished luminist painters. The canvas is inscribed 'Sketch' in the extreme lower right corner near the artist's monogram R.S. beside an indecipherable date in the 19th century.

The prolific maritime artist Robert Salmon (1775 - 1844) was well-known as a luminist and often signed his works R.S. immediately followed by the date as seen here. Portraits by Salmon are rare but have been sold at auction.

Canvas measures 25.25 x 20.25 with a framed size of 32 x 27 inches.

Very good restored condition, noting considerable inpainting around the outer areas as shown in the images, the work has been wax re-lined.