Thursday, March 11, 2010

A Portrait of a Woman



I came across this portrait of a woman in an antique store recently. It was unframed and a little tattered but I think it's nicely done. I'm often drawn to portraits. It's hard not to imagine who the person was, or perhaps if still living, where they are.



I also like that a portrait is like looking through the eyes of the artist who painted it. You know that they knew the person, perhaps just briefly, but nevertheless their depiction captures one brief moment of an entire lifetime. And I think that's where the fascination lies....it's like reading a book that starts in the middle and has no ending.



I happened to have an antique frame that fit her perfectly - both in size and in style. As you can see in the first photo, it has a lovely floral detail that I think complements her quite beautifully.

I bought the painting for $44. The frame is something I picked up last summer for $20.

28 comments :

  1. I can see why you like it, she seems to have that alluring combination of strength and vulnerability. It's a lovely portrait. Thanks so much for your comment about my laundry.. I know what you mean about basements - we don't have them in Australia so some of them scare the life out of me! Rachaelx

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  2. Both wonderful finds! I've always had a fascination with portraits too.. some feel almost like family member over time.. Beautiful home..

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  3. Best 64 clams you've ever spent, eh?

    I always wonder who gets rid of these portraits...they were somebody's somebody...right?

    I have a few too....and it always haunts me to think that there family is somewhere...yet I have the unknown portrait.

    Ok...I think too much.

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  4. I LOVE her! I love her eyes and I love that she's unfinished. I've often looked at those orphans in antique stores and wondered who they were. There's always one that seems to connect with me I want to take him/her home. The floral frame is the perfect "dress" and that it fit her perfectly, means she was meant to live with you.

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  5. Now that is some "head and shoulders" missy - does she have a name?
    I think she looks like a "Betty"-
    just love her.
    pve

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  6. It looks lovely in your home! Carla

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  7. Absolutely love it. I have a similar portrait of an unknown lady here at home, I dont think you need to know the person, its the beauty of the painting itself.
    alicia

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  8. that painting looks like it was meant to be in your home. The color pallet is so soft and muted, love the simplicity. The frame suits her perfectly. It looks wonderful! Lori

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  9. She is stunning! Such a treasure!

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  10. She is really lovely. I love old paintings..especially portraits. We just don't do these as much anymore.

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  11. Hi Steve, I LOVE your 'perfect dress' comment. That's the perfect way to describe it. Trina

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  12. Trina...she looks like she could be related to you, the resemblance is striking. She's just beautiful, even more so in her new frame and in your home.

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  13. Beautifully written...and beautiful painting.

    -Gail

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  14. i love your lovely combination of farmhouse/french/swedish
    design.

    we are building a home in colorado, and i am trying to
    bring those same elements in.

    love your blog,
    lea

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  15. Oh, she's divine! I think because she's so simple. The coloring is gorgeous and looks perfect right where you placed her.
    Sarah

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  16. Hi Trina,

    LOVE this portrait. I cherish my grandmothers portrait. I sometimes just sit and look into her eyes and wonder what she is thinking. Have you done that yet?

    ~janet

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  17. Were you born thrifty? Is it in your DNA? You do incredible things on a budget! It must be so satisfying. Your living room is dreamy and the portrait is LOVELY. What I love most about your blog is that you're really taking the time to acquire things that speak to you. Wish I had done it the same way to be honest! LOL

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  18. That is a lovely painting, and you are so right the frame is perfect.

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  19. Love...Love...Love...Blog !!! Tia ionca

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  20. Love this blog have been reading for awhile...just started my blog yesterday...thanks from the inspiration of you and so many!...our dog is a LUCY too! You have a beautiful home!

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  21. Fabulous find! This gorgeous lady looks perfect in your beautiful room - if only she could talk. Leigh

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  22. It looks lovely in your living room. I was once so drawn to a portrait of an old woman. I still think that I should have bought it, but it was badly damaged.

    -FringeGirl

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  23. I am in awe of everything you do. I can't tell you how much I love your style! You guys have a beautiful place.

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  24. Looks wonderful + you must be so excited about the grapes.. how fantastic! xo

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  25. You have such a wonderful home and a great blog!

    Best Wishes,

    Caroline

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  26. this is a truly beautiful portrait.
    she reminds me a bit of morticia addams,
    or an adult snow white.
    have you named her?

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Thank you for leaving your thoughts. Kind regards, Catherine

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