Post-Revolutionary War to Civil War
Beautiful “Swedish Nightingale” Jenny Lind Oval Painting
c. 1860 Oval Portrait Painting of Jenny Lind, under glass, of the “Swedish Nightingale,” Choice Near Mint.
This beautiful oval painting under glass of the “Swedish Nightingale,” Jenny Lind, is housed in a painted black lacquer wooden frame measuring 5.75” x 4.5”, no date or artist identified. The striking image is of the famed opera singer dressed in a flowing white gown, holding her red shawl. The colorful oval portrait measures about 3.5” x 2.75” and has a stamped metal band holding the convex oval glass cover in place. The early, period domed glass has several scattered small irregularities and bubbles as would be typical. Overall, an impressive, highly colorful painting for display.
Jenny Lind (1820-1887) was a Swedish-born Opera Singer, often known as the "Swedish Nightingale". She is known for her performances in soprano roles in Sweden and Europe, as well as for an extraordinarily popular tour of America beginning in 1850, and for her philanthropic work. She toured Denmark where, in 1843, Hans Christian Andersen met and fell in love with the singer, but while the two became good friends, she had no romantic feelings for him. Three of his fairy tales were inspired by her: "The Ugly Duckling," "The Angel," and "The Nightingale," the latter making her known as The Swedish Nightingale.