Antique French Oil Portrait Painting, Young Woman, Gilt Frame, 1839

A refined and historically compelling French portrait, attributed to Pierre François Eugène Giraud (1806–1881), depicting Cécile Émilie Antoinette Richard (1821–1894) at approximately 18 years of age.

A museum quality portrait, Giraud’s handling is both precise and sensitive, particularly in the face, where soft transitions of tone create a lifelike presence. The landscape background adds depth without distracting from the sitter, a hallmark of accomplished portraiture from this period.

The sitter is elegantly portrayed in a finely detailed oval composition, her calm expression and direct gaze conveying both poise and quiet confidence. The identity of the sitter is confirmed by a named plate on the front of the frame, an unusual and highly desirable feature that anchors the painting firmly in history. Further supporting documentation comes from a preparatory pastel sketch of this portrait (sold through Galerie Christian Le Serbon in Paris), dated 1839, allowing us to confidently place the execution of this portrait in that year.

This connection between preparatory work and finished painting adds an additional layer of significance, offering insight into the artist’s working process. (Please note: the preparatory sketch referenced is not included in this sale.)

Good antique condition consistent with age. Light craquelure and surface wear visible. Presents very well. Frame with age-related wear. The painting is housed in a fine gilt frame with an integrated oval mount, enhancing its presentation and reinforcing its 19th century elegance.

French School
Oil on canvas
Dated 1839
Attributed: Pierre François Eugène Giraud (1806–1881)
Identified sitter: Cécile Émilie Antoinette Richard (1821–1894)
Original presentation with name plate

Artist Bio — Pierre François Eugène Giraud (1806–1881)
Pierre François Eugène Giraud was a distinguished French painter and engraver, active during the 19th century and known for his portraits, genre scenes, and orientalist subjects. He achieved considerable recognition during his lifetime, receiving numerous honours including being made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 1851, later promoted to Officer in 1866. Giraud painted prominent cultural figures of his time, including a celebrated portrait of Gustave Flaubert, now held at the Palace of Versailles, as well as a pastel portrait of Alexandre Dumas. His work combines academic precision with expressive sensitivity, placing him firmly among the accomplished portraitists of his era.

Sizing Incl Frame:
Height: 23.23 inch (59cm)
Width: 20.87 inch (53cm)
Depth: 2.76 inch (7cm)

Sizing Painting:
Height: 15.75 inch (40cm)
Width: 12.60 inch (32cm)

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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.