Oil on canvas (lined), unsigned, half-length, Miss Edgell is demurely seated while a blazing sunset illuminates the landscape beyond, indicators of innocence include a white cap framing her youthful pink-cheeked face directly confronting the viewer and holding a wreath of fresh picked flowers, presented in an attractive period appropriate gilt frame.

Stretcher size 35 1/2 x 30 1/2 in.; Frame dimensions 45 x 40 1/2 in.

From the Collection of the late Mehri Ettehadieh Stull, Fletcher, North Carolina

The Leger Galleries, London, 1964
Phillips, London, 14 March 1977, Lot 94

Joseph Highmore trained initially as a lawyer, however he was determined to pursue a career as an artist. He attended classes in Sir Godfrey Kneller's academy and in 1715 he established a portrait-painting practice. In his early work, Highmore adapted Kneller's style of portraiture. His later style was influenced by French Rococo artists, such as Philippe Mercier and Hubert Gravelot, who were established in London during the 1730s and 1740s.

Faint allover craquelure; obscuring varnish visible under UV light, but appearing to only have minor scattered retouch.

$3,000 - 6,000