19th-Century Austrian School, Pair Of Portraits

19th-Century Austrian School, Pair Of PortraitsThis exquisite pair of mid 19th century Austrian portraits are rendered with precision, careful observation, and plenty of spirit. Easily two of the finest watercolours weve ever seen here. They date to around 1860, which is identifiable via the outfits. During this time, it was fashionable for gentlemen to sport long side whiskers with drooping moustaches, and wear their hair a little dishevelled. And, as we see here, this particular gent looks a tad

the landscape is modelled in a style akin to the great French masters - Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665) and Claude Lorrain (1600-1682)

Many of these were created as pairs - usually a boy and girl dressed in rustic clothing

Her head is tilted forwards as she turns to look at us - as if listening intently

So it’s possible that the painting dates to around 1944/45

brown trousers

an inscription reads ‘For Nell’

She clutches her necklace

This unusual fashion coined the term ‘gigot sleeves’

white shirt

they were mostly drawn and engraved by Bell himself

zur Zeit der Marillenblüte at auction in 2010

Figures are created with vigour - gestural marks laid down with energy and immediacy