A half-length portrait of a girl in a feigned oval, circle of Robert Byng. Wearing a fashionable dress and robes of the day, the sitter is clearly from a family of some standing. She is posed in an orangery in front of an opening, which shows a view of a landscape beyond. In her left hand she holds a ripening orange, as if about to pluck it from the branch. During the 17th and 18th century, oranges were a status symbol, as only the very wealthy could afford to grow them. They were a highly prized and expensive treat and were often used in portraiture as a visual metaphor for prosperity and wealth of the family. Fruit such as this can also be seen as a metaphor for fertility. The portrait has clearly been executed by an artist of great ability who has been influenced by Robert Byng.
Robert Byng was a portrait artist from Wiltshire. He worked as a studio assistant to Sir Godfrey Kneller, a leading portrait painter working in England during the late 17th and early 18th century. As well as working in Kneller's studio Byng produced a number of works in his own right. Examples of his paintings can be found in public art collections including Wells City Council, Thetford Museum & the University of Oxford.
© Benton Fine Art
Presentation | The painting is housed in a new, English made gilt frame which is in excellent condition. |
Condition | As with all of our original antique oil paintings, this work is offered in ready to hang gallery condition, having been professionally cleaned, restored and revarnished. |
Dimensions
Image Size | 29 inches x 24 inches (74cm x 61cm) |
Framed Size | 36 inches x 31 inches (91.5cm x 79cm) |