Small portrait on board - age/origin?

Hello, I just picked up this small oil on board portrait. It appears to be a little bit older than the frame, but I’m not sure. Could you please let me know how old it might be and if it’s based on an earlier work? The back of the board has been covered by a piece of sheet music from 1897

 

I like the overall frontal look of it.The back of the frame looks rather more modern to me. But the 1897 music sheet makes things interesting. You sure it’s painted and not some sort of print? What does back of the board look like underneath the music sheet?

 

IF it is not a print as Boland mentioned, it appears to be an unvarnished oil painting with some minor damage where I can see what appears to be white gesso showing in small spots. The white on the frame would likely be plaster decor beneath the paint, very similar.

The grain of the wood appears to be diagonal and while not impossible when a scrap piece of wood is used, it's unusual if that is diagonal wood grain that I am looking at. There is so very little light in the eyes that may be an indication that this person had passed on when their portrait was painted.

The paper appears to have been cut down from full size due to damage, perhaps it is from a hymn book? It does not look to be manuscript size sheet music. What is the actual size of this painting, please? 5x7"? 8x10"?

The frame looks to have been completely hand carved, not sure what type wood was used, how soft is the wood? I like the frame very much too.

 

I suspect that's a modern piece with old sheet music added to give it the appearance of age.

Debora

 

The design of the backing on the frame appears quite modern.

 

That's what I was thinking, too. Like the "piano key" pictures that have been discussed here in many threads.

 

Ditto. There was a fashion for doing that, was it the 90s?

 

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Exactly.

Debora

 

Was also contemplating that.

 

I thought it was earlier in the 20th century than the '90s... but only recall that from what somebody said in this site somewhere.

 

Interesting observation about the lack of light in her eyes! The apparent 'grain' in pics 1 & 5 just may be evidence of a re-sawn panel...reflecting a band-saw origin for the board before painting.

 

Thanks! I think that it’s 6 inches by 8 inches. I looked at it under a loupe and I saw brush strokes, so I don’t think it’s an oleograph. The frame is a heavy hard wood and it weighs about 2 lb. The sheet music was probably a hymnal page that was glued on later. The diagonal wood pattern is probably the grain or a saw mark. I think it is probably mid 20th century in an earlier style?

 

From the frame's back, I'd think it was much, much newer.

Debora

 

In my memory the fashion for adding sheet music to the back was in the 90s. I could be wrong, of course.

 

Yeah, I think you're right. Around then. I can't find a match for the image but imagine it's inspired by something.

Debora

 

It's bound to be. Maybe by something Italian.

 

Yes, that's what I think too. I didn't say it above though. I also think the painting is modern decor.

Whittier, thanks! Yes the white in the eyes always makes a portrait come "alive"!!
I thought about mentioning the band saw aspect to the wood, but then I realized it may not even be wood. May not be old at all. So I waited to see what others would say before mentioning anything about blade cuts or age.

You know what? Now, reading what you've said about the size of it, it could be as old or a tad older than mid-20th century in style and installed into a newer frame. That frame is def not old.

I do not think this was painted in the United States.

 

Thanks, I think that the sheet was glued to the back of the painting, but it does look like a slightly older European style painting (maybe French or Italian, possibly inspired by a portrait of a Catholic Saint ?)

 

Absolutely wouldn't surprise me at all.
Does the frame seem pretty new to you?
I believe it was a much later addition.
It appears to be an honest rendition of someone deceased.
Could def be royalty. Or sub-royalty of distinction.

 

That's a sweet turn of phrase!