Antique 19 century Large Oil Painting on canvas, Female portrait, Dated 1879

This is a striking original 19th-century antique oil painting on canvas, presenting a formal portrait of a lady dressed in an elegant black gown, adorned with a gold cross necklace, posed beside an opulent red curtain. The sitter's calm and dignified expression, along with her refined attire, conveys a strong sense of presence and importance—likely commemorating a special occasion.

A note handwritten on the back of the canvas reads: “By C. Foster, 494 Pine St, Providence, RI. Christmas 1879”—suggesting the work was intended as a cherished holiday gift, dating the painting to the 1870s or earlier. While the front bears no visible signature, the rear inscription adds a layer of historical intrigue and provenance.

✔️ Artist: Attributed to C. Foster
✔️ Date: Circa 1870s (Christmas 1879 inscription)
✔️ Medium: Oil on canvas
✔️ Subject: Seated lady portrait with red drapery
✔️ Style: Victorian / American School
✔️ Frame: Period wooden frame with gold liner
✔️ Painting Size: 30" x 22"
✔️ Framed Size: 34.5" x 26.5"
✔️ Condition:
• Painting – Good antique condition; some craquelure visible due to age, no holes or major damage
• Frame – Scuffs, scratches, and general wear consistent with age

📸 Photographed outdoors in natural light; please refer to all photos, as they are part of the description.

Please note that the physical colors of the item may vary slightly from the photos in the listing due to differences in lighting, camera quality, and screen settings. Most items sold by MaksArtGallery are antique, vintage, or pre-owned, and may show signs of age such as patina, craquelure, scuffs, or general wear. These characteristics add authenticity and charm to the artwork. Please review all photographs carefully, as they are considered part of the item description.