Antique 1891 French Portrait of a Young Girl in Roses – Signed Istres Contencin (1851–1925)

A tender and exquisitely detailed 19th-century French portrait, painted in 1891 by Istres Contencin. The work depicts a young girl surrounded by deep red roses, her calm gaze and pink dress capturing the refined innocence of the Belle Époque era.

This oil on canvas portrait, signed and dated 1891 by French artist Istres Contencin, is a striking example of late 19th-century Salon portraiture. We do believe this to be his daughter Camille Anne Emma Contencin (1887-1961) as the little girl has a striking resemblance to the other works of her of different ages. She would have been about 4 years old at the time of this painting and the sitter is likely about 4 years old. The young sitter is encircled by a floral garland of roses, symbolising purity and love. Contencin’s brushwork blends realism with softness, evoking the intimacy of family life in the Belle Époque. The painting is presented in its original oval gilt frame, richly ornamented with incised decoration. A remarkable historical piece that brings grace, warmth, and artistry to any interior.

About the Artist – Istres Contencin (1851–1925)
Jules Joseph Étienne Contencin, known as Istres Contencin, was born in 1851 in Istres, in the south of France. He studied at the art school of the Musée Granet in Aix-en-Provence before moving to Paris. His early works were exhibited at the Paris Salons, where he was praised for his elegant portraits and finely detailed genre scenes that reflect the refined taste of the Belle Époque. Contencin later settled in Brittany, teaching drawing at the École des Beaux-Arts de Rennes and continuing to paint portraits and rural scenes filled with sensitivity and calm naturalism. His subjects often evoke the innocence of childhood, domestic tenderness, and the harmony of provincial life. Today, his paintings can be found in several French museum collections, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseille, which holds Jeune fille cousant; the Musée Ziem in Martigues, with portraits of his family; and the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Rennes, where one finds Portrait de Mademoiselle Fedé de Mérignac. Contencin’s work stands as a graceful expression of 19th-century French academic art, blending realism with quiet emotional depth.

Oil on Canvas

Sizing incl Frame:
Height: 31.10 inch (79cm)
Width: 26.77 inch (68cm)
Depth: 1.18inch (3cm)

Sizing Painting:
Height: 28.35 inch (72cm)
Width: 22.83 inch (58cm)
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Antique paintings (+100 Years) are "Duty Free" within the USA, Canada, Australia and the European Union, you should NOT be charged any additional taxes for import and duty. As nearly all items in the shop are over 100 years old and classified as “antique” or “antique art” the objects are considered “Duty Free”. Amsterdam Curated will provide the appropriate certifications for the customs officials to ensure all qualified items will be shipped with this “Duty Free” classification. In the UK, it is not "FREE" but there is a reduced VAT of 5% paid at import.