Attributed to Arthur James Lewis (British, 1824–1901)

Portrait of an young girl in orientalist peacock headdress
signed and dated with initials A.L. and dated (18)67 (lower left)
inscribed verso 'By Arthur Lewis'
watercolour with gum arabic
42.5 x 33.5cm

Arthur James Lewis was a successful haberdasher and silk merchant (of the firm Lewis & Allenby), who married the actress Kate Terry. Despite being an amateur artist, his undeniable talent meant that he exhibited widely at the Royal Academy, British Institution and Grosvenor Gallery.

Condition Report

In an overall clean condition with the colour pigment having retained very well in the majority of areas. The is a large scratch to the paper located to the lefr left next to the initials, measuring approximately 10cm. The gum abrabic does show visible signs of craquelure, but seems to be stable. The watercolour has not been examined out of the frame.