Painting of the Week - James N Lee
James N Lee (active 1873-1911)
Portrait of a Girl with Breakfast Tray
This charming British Victorian portrait oil painting is by exhibited artist James N Lee. Painted circa 1875 it is a three-quarter length portrait of a young girl dressed in red with white lace neck and cuffs and a red hairband with bow holding back her long dark hair. She is semi profile but turning to look at the artist/viewer, rich drapes behind her. In her hands she is holding a breakfast tray, complete with an egg in a shiny silver egg cup. Who is she taking breakfast to? Is it Mother's Day? Is someone unwell? She is certainly not dressed as a maid. There is superb detail in the different textures - shiny egg cup, China cup, the draping tray cloth and lace of her dress - all quite beautiful and showing off the artist's skill. The brushwork is also superb and the colours vibrant. This is a lovely British Victorian domesticated scene, very pleasing to the eye and an excellent example of Lee's work.
Signed lower right.
Click the link below for this painting
https://www.richardtaylorfineart.com/gallery/new/lee-2/portrait-of-a-girl-with-breakfast-tray