CONTINENTAL SCHOOL (19TH CENTURY) OLD MASTER STYLE PAINTING, oil on canvas, female figure with low-cut gown and flowing robe, she holding a document with Latin inscription, no signature located, on original stretchers, canvas bearing indistinct painted inscription of the period and stenciled "5565" mark verso. Housed in period, possibly original, molded giltwood frame. Circa 1865. 40 3/4" x 30 1/2" sight, 48 3/4" x 38 1/2" OA.
Painting with 11 1/2" horizontal gash across subject's abdomen, hand, and arm, 2" tear at shoulder, "V' shaped tear at elbow, two small abrasions/punctures in hair, moderate craquelure throughout. Frame with wear, significant losses to molded-composition ornament.
Provenance: Descended in the family of David Dunlop, Jr. (1841-1902), grandson of noteworthy Petersburg, VA tobacco merchant, David Dunlop, Sr. (1804-1864), said to have been purchased on a grand tour of Europe after the Civil War.

Painting with 11 1/2" horizontal gash across subject's abdomen, hand, and arm, 2" tear at shoulder, "V' shaped tear at elbow, two small abrasions/punctures in hair, moderate craquelure throughout. Frame with wear, significant losses to molded-composition ornament.