Reginald Arthur Contemplation 1890 Victorian Portrait Oil Painting Gilt Frame

A fine late Victorian oil painting by the British painter Reginald Arthur, depicting a young girl in three-quarter profile against a dark atmospheric background. The sitter is portrayed with delicately modelled features, softly rendered hair and a lace-trimmed collar, creating the quiet, introspective character suggested by the title “Contemplation”.

The painting is signed “Reginald Arthur” and dated 1890 to the lower right.

Reginald Arthur was a London-based Victorian painter active during the late 19th century. He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy, as well as other London exhibitions, and is known for portraits, figure subjects and larger historical, classical and Egyptian compositions. His documented works include The Death of Cleopatra, exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1892, The Sacrifice of Iphigenia and Pharaoh’s Daughter. His paintings have appeared at major auction houses including Christie’s and Sotheby’s.

Arthur lived at 47 Bedford Square, London, close to the British Museum, and his interest in classical and historical subjects is reflected in a number of his known works. His larger compositions have achieved significant auction results, although the present work is a much smaller and more intimate portrait.

The painting is presented in a particularly impressive frame, profusely decorated with scrolling foliage, flowers and pierced foliate ornament. The ornate frame is highly decorative and complements the Victorian character of the painting.

Artist: Reginald Arthur (fl. c.1881–1896)

Title: “Contemplation”

Date: 1890

Medium: Oil on panel

Exposed painting: approx. 24 × 18 cm

Overall framed dimensions: approx. 37 × 31 cm

Signature: Signed and dated lower right

Frame: Ornate antique gilt frame

A particularly attractive example of late Victorian British portraiture, with a documented artist attribution and an decorative frame.