James Harwood, Small Portraits, 19th Century, Oil on Board Paintings, Framed, Set of 2

A pair of oil paintings

By James Harwood 1816-1872

On board

Frame dimensions are given. The frame on the right is very slightly larger

These are a pair of small, oil-on-board portraits depicting a man and a woman. Both portraits are set within highly ornate, gilded frames that exhibit significant wear and damage, particularly along the edges and corners, where portions of the gilding have chipped away.

The left portrait is of an older man with grey hair, styled in a manner typical of the mid-19th century. He is dressed in formal attire, including a dark suit, a white shirt, and a black bow tie. His expression is stern and dignified, and his posture suggests confidence. His left hand is resting on what appears to be an armrest, while the background is a muted, dark tone that contrasts with his pale complexion and white hair, emphasizing his features.

The right portrait depicts a woman, likely in her middle years, with brown hair that falls in soft curls past her shoulders. She is dressed in a dark, off-the-shoulder gown adorned with lace trim around the neckline, a style characteristic of the 19th century. Her expression is calm, and her hands are folded gently in her lap. The background of the portrait is similarly dark, which complements the subject's dress and highlights her fair skin and refined features.

Both frames are intricately designed, with baroque-style scrollwork and floral motifs. The frames on both portraits are heavily gilded but show extensive signs of aging and damage. The frame of the left portrait is slightly better preserved than that of the right, which has more noticeable areas where the gold leaf has worn away, revealing the underlying material.

These portraits likely date from the 19th century and may have been created as companion pieces, possibly representing a husband and wife. The fine details of the subjects' clothing and the elaborate frames suggest that they were intended for display in a well-appointed home, signifying the subjects' social status.