European school; 20th century.

European school; 20th century.
"Miss Bowles".
Enamel.
Presents signature "E.A. Nicolau" and inventory number.
It has silver frame.
Measurements: 25 x 20 cm; 38 x 33 cm (frame).
This piece reproduces in enamel the iconic portrait of "Miss Bowles" painted by Joshua Reynolds that currently belongs to the Wallace collection. Jane Bowles (1772-1812) was the eldest daughter of Oldfield Bowles (1739-1810), a landowner of North Aston, Oxfordshire, also a painter and amateur musician. Bowles was supposedly concerned about Reynolds's experimental use of materials, but Sir George Beaumont advised her that "even a faded painting by Reynolds will be the best you can have." Reynolds was then invited to dine with the Bowles family and played with them to gain their confidence. Miss Bowles is portrayed in extravagant theatrical costume, kneeling and embracing her spaniel. The composition, lively and spontaneous, evokes Reynolds' "fantasy paintings." The sunbeam, shining through the foliage on the right side of the painting, is boldly painted in a few decisive brushstrokes. The wooded setting evokes the background Reynolds used for his portrait of Nelly O'Brien in the early 1760s.