Antique mid-19th century American, large oval, oil on canvas Portrait of a Woman. This carefully executed painting reflects the realism of high quality portraiture of the period with very small brushstrokes and gloss varnish. The woman in the portrait wears fashion typical of the period with delicate lace and linen headdress, a formal dark dress embellished with an ebony brooch in a gold setting with seed pearls. The unknown artist has given her a quiet demeanor with great care given to the detailed eyes and mouth. The background is a very dark, muddy green. The original canvas, with the original makers mark still showing on the back, was stretched over an oval, hand built stretcher. The edges of this painting are loosely covered in a black grossgrain ribbon which can be removed if preferred to expose the partially painted edges. See photos for details. Photos shown include both in natural light (first 4) and with 2700K LED light (second 4) to give best idea of quality and condition of this piece. A lovely painting to add a quiet mood to a room, ready to hang.