{"product_id":"oil-portrait-possibly-sarah-losh-architect-designer-c1830s-in-the-manner-of-james-lonsdale","title":"Oil Portrait Possibly Sarah Losh Architect \u0026 Designer c1830s — In the Manner of James Lonsdale","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Portrait Possibly Sarah Losh, 1830s — In the Manner of James Lonsdale\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA substantial 1830s British portrait combining refined period costume, a distinctive cameo sleeve ornament and an intriguing possible association with pioneering Cumbrian architect Sarah (Sara) Losh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighlights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• English School, circa 1830–1839\u003cbr\u003e• In the manner of James Lonsdale (1777–1839)\u003cbr\u003e• Sitter subsequently proposed as possibly Sarah (Sara) Losh (1785–1853)\u003cbr\u003e• Oil on canvas\u003cbr\u003e• Unsigned\u003cbr\u003e• Half-length female portrait\u003cbr\u003e• White gown with deep red-maroon shawl\u003cbr\u003e• Oval classical-profile cameo or medallion at the sleeve\u003cbr\u003e• Bellmans Fine Art Auctioneers provenance\u003cbr\u003e• Bellmans Antiques \u0026amp; Interiors, 14 January 2025, Lot 25\u003cbr\u003e• Canvas 62 cm wide × 75 cm high\u003cbr\u003e• Framed approximately 72 × 86 × 5 cm\u003cbr\u003e• Historically relined\u003cbr\u003e• Ornate giltwood frame\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn evocative English oil portrait dating from circa 1830–1839, portraying a fashionably dressed woman against a subdued dark background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sitter wears a luminous white dress with a rich red-maroon shawl arranged across her right arm. Her dark brunette hair is centrally parted and falls into elongated ringlets framing the face.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn unusual oval ornament attached to the sleeve appears to depict a classical profile and provides a particularly interesting jewellery and costume detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sitter has subsequently been proposed as possibly \u003cstrong\u003eSarah (Sara) Losh (1785–1853)\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Cumbrian architect, designer, antiquarian and landowner responsible for some of the most distinctive architectural work at Wreay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe association remains a research attribution and is not presented as a confirmed identification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArtist: In the manner of James Lonsdale (1777–1839)\u003cbr\u003eSchool: English\u003cbr\u003eDate: Circa 1830–1839\u003cbr\u003eTitle: \u003cem\u003ePortrait of a Woman in a White Dress and Red Shawl\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePossible sitter: Sarah (Sara) Losh (1785–1853)\u003cbr\u003eMedium: Oil on canvas\u003cbr\u003eSignature: Unsigned\u003cbr\u003eSubject: Female portrait\u003cbr\u003eOrientation: Portrait\u003cbr\u003eCanvas dimensions: 62 cm wide × 75 cm high\u003cbr\u003eCanvas dimensions: approximately 24.4 × 29.5 inches\u003cbr\u003eFramed dimensions: approximately 72 cm wide × 86 cm high × 5 cm deep\u003cbr\u003eFramed dimensions: approximately 28.3 × 33.9 × 2 inches\u003cbr\u003eFrame: Ornate giltwood frame\u003cbr\u003eCanvas: Historically relined\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sitter's clothing and hairstyle support placement of the work within the 1830s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer centrally parted hair is smoothed across the crown before descending into elongated side ringlets. The broad neckline, fitted bodice and short full sleeves further support this dating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sitter's face is handled with particular care. Soft modelling, warm flesh tones, rosy highlights and carefully articulated blue-grey eyes contrast with the more restrained handling of the background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe white dress provides luminosity and visual focus, while the red-maroon shawl creates a strong colour accent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Cameo Sleeve Ornament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe oval ornament attached to the sleeve appears to show a pale classical profile against a darker ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGold-coloured connecting elements suggest that it was intended as an integrated dress ornament rather than simply a conventional pendant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe object is conservatively described as a classical-profile cameo or cameo-like medallion. Its precise subject and any possible personal significance remain unidentified.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Possible Sitter — Sarah (Sara) Losh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSarah Losh was born in 1785 into a prominent Cumberland family at Wreay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe became an unusually accomplished landowner, architect, designer and antiquarian, with wide-ranging intellectual interests and experience of continental European travel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLosh undertook architectural projects around Wreay during the 1830s before creating her best-known work, St Mary's Church, during the early 1840s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe identification of the present sitter as Sarah Losh is not supported by an original inscription or continuous family provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer age must also be considered. Losh would have been approximately 45–54 during 1830–1839, while the woman represented here appears comparatively youthful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePortraiture can idealise age, meaning that this does not conclusively exclude the proposed identification. It does, however, require the association to remain qualified as \u003cstrong\u003ePossibly Sarah (Sara) Losh (1785–1853)\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title Lady is not used because the historical evidence examined does not establish that Losh held that honorific.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Artist — In the Manner of James Lonsdale (1777–1839)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJames Lonsdale was born in Lancaster in 1777.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe moved to London around 1799, studied briefly under George Romney and entered the Royal Academy Schools in 1801. Lonsdale subsequently became a prolific professional portraitist and remained active through the late 1830s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present painting's formal half-length pose, controlled facial modelling, strongly defined eyes, warm flesh tones and restrained background invite comparison with Lonsdale's portrait practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe work is consequently catalogued \u003cstrong\u003eIn the manner of James Lonsdale (1777–1839)\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis terminology indicates stylistic affinity and does not constitute an attribution to Lonsdale himself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance \u0026amp; Recorded History\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBellmans Fine Art Auctioneers, West Sussex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAntiques \u0026amp; Interiors\u003c\/em\u003e, 14 January 2025, Lot 25.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBellmans catalogued the work as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEnglish School, 19th Century\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePortrait of a lady with a red shawl\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOil on canvas\u003cbr\u003e75 × 62 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo named sitter or artist was supplied by Bellmans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubsequently acquired by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCanvas: 62 cm wide × 75 cm high \/ approximately 24.4 × 29.5 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFramed: approximately 72 cm wide × 86 cm high × 5 cm deep \/ approximately 28.3 × 33.9 × 2 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe canvas has been historically relined.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painted surface displays widespread age-related craquelure together with areas of historic restoration and retouching. Surface wear, abrasion and areas of disturbance are visible upon close examination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lining conceals the reverse of the original canvas and therefore any original inscriptions, canvas makers' stamps or labels which may survive beneath it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are some small visible gaps along portions of the frame between the edge of the canvas and the frame rebate. The canvas may require minor adjustment or reseating within the frame to achieve a closer and more even fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ornate giltwood frame displays age-related rubbing, wear, historic repairs, areas of overpainting and losses to the decorative surface consistent with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease refer closely to the accompanying photographs, which form an integral part of the condition description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorldwide shipping is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painting will be professionally packed with appropriate consideration given to the historically relined canvas and decorative gilt frame. Insured delivery can be arranged according to destination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertificate of Sale \u0026amp; Dealer Attribution\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale \u0026amp; Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttribution and Research\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional photographs and further information are available upon request.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55038888378746,"sku":"k2028","price":13000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0201\/2227\/1808\/files\/georgian-oil-painting-portrait-lady-sara-losh-1785-1853-architect-designer-742435.jpg?v=1739240770","url":"https:\/\/cheshireantiquesconsultantltd.com\/ga-it\/products\/oil-portrait-possibly-sarah-losh-architect-designer-c1830s-in-the-manner-of-james-lonsdale","provider":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","version":"1.0","type":"link"}