George Langford Seymour Oil Painting "Louisa"

Item Details

George Langford Seymour (United Kingdom, 1876 – 1916)
Louisa (Portrait of a Young Beauty), circa 1880
Oil painting on wood panel
Signed “G.L. Seymour” to the upper right
Ex Thomas Agnew & Sons, London
Informational labels affixed to the verso

An oil painting on wood panel titled Louisa (Portrait of a Young Beauty) by listed artist George Langford Seymour (United Kingdom, 1876 – 1916), circa 1880. The work depicts the three-quarter profile of a young woman portrayed with delicate brushstrokes and subtle highlights, providing naturalistic textures to her smooth skin and lush garment. The piece is signed ‘G.L. Seymour’ to the upper right. To the verso, various descriptive labels are affixed. The composition is presented in an ornate 19th century gesso and gilt frame. A plaque inscribed with artist’s name is included to the lower edge of the frame.

Provenance
Ex Thomas Agnew & Sons, London

George Seymour studied in Paris with William Bouguereau and Jean-Leon Gerome, among the most accomplished figural painters of the late nineteenth-century. The young woman, shown in three-quarter profile, glances up to the viewer’s right with spontaneous candor and charm. From Bouguereau, Seymour derives his gravitas and close observation of the human form together with the exquisite textural values seen in both the subject’s skin and in her satin dress. From Gerome, he has acquired his facility for dramatic composition and the jewel-like brilliance of his oil finishes. Seymour exhibited with success in Paris and at London’s Royal Academy during the 1880’s. He is listed in all relevant art dictionaries including Benezit which also shows a signature sample. Recently de-accessioned, this painting was held for many years in the collection of Philadelphia’s Woodmere Museum.

Condition

- frame: minor losses and restoration.
painting: minor restoration and craquelure.

Dimensions

- measures the frame; sight size 10.75" W x 16.75" H.

Item #

18DCC771-056