A Straw Hat

At fifteen … she began to curl her hair and long for balls *

Whilst she may still be too young for formal balls, this young girl already has poise and an eye for fashion. Her dress would be similar in style to that worn by her mama with its sweeping neckline and narrow frilled sleeves. But it is her splendid straw hat lined with cobalt blue fabric to match her eyes that really steals the show and makes this such a charming study.

In fine condition, the portrait resides in a rolled gold locket frame that is enclosed reverse.

Swiss-born François Ferrière came to England in 1795, having previously studied in Paris, so this would have been one of his earliest English commissions. It demonstrates a unique blend of French, Swiss and English painting styles with the grey-brown background being typical of Continental miniatures whilst the skilful rendering of the girl’s hands reflects his French training.

Ferrière’s success in England was however short-lived but his determination to make a living from his art led him to sell up in London and move to Russia where he found instant work and prosperity even winning commissions from the Imperial Family. In 1822 Ferrière returned home to Geneva where he remained until his death in 1837.

*  Catherine Morland, Northanger Abbey
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