European Furniture & Decorative Arts Online
Description:
French School, 19th Century
Portrait of a Woman Holding a Book
Inscribed "imitation de J. Christ" on the cover of the book.
Oil on canvas, 28 3/4 x 23 1/2 in. (73.0 x 59.5 cm),framed.
Condition: Lined, retouch, craquelure, varnish inconsistencies.
N.B. The book that the sitter holds is the French translation of The Imitation of Christ, a Christian devotional book written in Latin and attributed to Thomas à Kempis of the Netherlands (as De Imitatione Christi) circa 1418-27. It was a handbook for spiritual life arising from the Devotio Moderna movement, of which Kempis was a member. By the end of the 15th century, the book had more than 100 printed editions and translations in French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
Estimate $800-1,200
Framed dimensions are 35 1/4 x 30 1/4 x 1 in.
Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
moderna, Thomas Kempis, NetherlandsStuart Slavid
Senior Vice President
Director of Fine Ceramics
Director of Fine Silver
Director of European Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3203
Emily Stegner
Specialist, European Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3203
Stephanie Opolski
Appraiser
508-970-3000
European Furniture & Decorative Arts
The European Furniture & Decorative Arts department curates auctions of English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, and Russian antiques, furniture, and decorative arts.