Antique Miniature Oil Portrait of Child

Charming turn of the century oil painting on canvas, dating to approximately 1885-1915, unsigned. Portrait is depicting a young child tenderly holding a white dove, a motif strongly associated with innocence, peace and purity in late Victorian and Edwardian art. The child is shown half length with softly curled hair and a gentle, contemplative expression. The artist employs delicate, controlled brushwork, particularly evident in the modelling of the face and the finely articulated feathers of the dove. The palette is warm and muted, with soft flesh tones, earthy reds and gentle greys set against an understated, atmospheric background, allowing the figure to remain the focal point. Although the composition is oval in design, the painting itself is executed on a rectangular canvas, with the oval image created through later  mounting. It is housed in a later gilt wooden frame, sympathetic in style but not original to the work, which complements the period character without detracting from the painting. Overall, this is a charming turn of the century oil on canvas, representative of the era’s taste for intimate, sentimental subjects, making it an appealing decorative piece for collectors of Victorian and Edwardian art. Painting is in good condition, frame showing wear and tear with imperfections and light debri behind glass. ♻️ we care about our little planet and use recycled boxes