I've long been marveling at early 19th century pin prick works, which I find completely extraordinary and which make this gouache/watercolor as fantastic from the back as the front! (I might frame it with glass on both sides so not to lose the beauty of that!) And this I think is an exceptional example in the quality of the portrait and detail of the pin pricking. But what additionally makes it for me though is how wonderfully the black ground makes the portrait pop, and especially how the peach platform she stands upon (casting a terrific shadow) just floats in space, making it feel quite contemporary as well as otherworldly. And, too, how the top of her parasol is not painted at all, just white against white, defined entirely by the pricks to the paper, and by the blue ribbon at top and handle below. And finally, this gracefully raised hand, as if to say go away, but also come hither.
13 3/8" x 8 1/16 on and in very good overall condition, c. 1810s i believe, with a bit of toning visible on the brim of her hat and old tape repairs evident from the back side. Very stable and not especially fragile, rich color and just beautiful overall effect.
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