ATTR. TO CHRISTOPHER STEELE ENGLISH OIL ON CANVAS

ATTRIBUTED TO CHRISTOPHER STEELE (BRITISH 1733-1767) ENGLISH OIL ON CANVAS ON BOARD 18TH C, H 48", W 37", PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG WOMAN (HANNAH STILES) Full length portrait of a young woman in blue velvet dress and red shoes. Depicted feeding chickens grain from her right hand while cinching her dress with her left. Unsigned. Accompanied by a 1992 letter from Robert G. Stewart, Senior Curator, National Portrait Gallery, referring his belief that this could be a work by Christopher Steele and that he was sending a photograph to Mary Burkett OBE (author of: Christopher Steele 1733-1767 of Acre Walls, Egremont : George Romney's teacher. Skiddaw Press). Also included is a 1992 letter from Mary Burkett OBE to Steel discussing this work and its "Steele characteristics" and "Romneyish" look. Frame measures H 54" x L 42.75".
Dimensions: in
Condition Report: When viewed under natural and UV light there is no evidence of damage, restoration, or inpainting. Rather, it appears that the work was mounted on Masonite minimize the visual impact of overall craquelure. Otherwise, this is an excellent example of 18th c. English portraiture - without the heavy handed restoration found in so many examples on the market. housed in a modern frame. CP + BDR