Very large portrait, 19th century

This very large portrait shows a young woman in a black dress, undoubtedly a mourning dress. Sober and restrained, this painting nevertheless hints at the upper middle class in a few unmistakable details. In addition to the sheer size of the portrait, there’s also the careful coiffure, the lace collar fastened with a brooch adorned with an imposing cameo, and the lace sleeves, held in place by blue satin ribbons, an avatar of black in this context of mourning. On the model’s left wrist, a large bracelet bears initials in the cabochon, probably those of her late husband, embroidered with hair, as was often the custom in the 19th century. In the right hand, a gold rosary recalls the model’s piety.
This beautiful oval portrait is in very good condition.