The Frilly Bonnet

The 1830s was the decade of enormous sleeves and wide-shoulders on dresses as seen in this portrait. The plunging neckline shows her lacey underslip worn to protect her modesty. Her fashionably rolled curls show beneath a pretty cap that is tied under the chin with a gauze bow. A chunky coral necklace completes her attire.

Painted in watercolour on card, the portrait sits behind convex glass in a traditional papier-mâché frame with a decorative surround and an acorn hanger. Both the portrait and the frame are in excellent condition.