19th Century Oil Painting 17th C Interior Genre Scene Bedtime Story Gilt Framed ^Sale

This charming oil painting from the first half of the 19th century depicts a "warm and cozy domestic scene, transporting the viewer into the interior of a wealthy 17th-century townsman": two women are jointly lulling an infant in a cradle. One reads a story to the baby, while an older woman sitting beside her rocks the cradle, as evidenced by the cradle rope tied to her hand. Nearby on the right, under the stairs, a man is pouring himself a drink from a barrel, clearly about to relax after a hard day's work. This painting, undoubtedly created by a talented and professional yet unknown artist, who skillfully includes narrative details that enrich the scene: a spinning wheel, a curious cat peeking from a leaded diamond-paned window. The muted palette of warm browns, ambers and ochres enhances the cozy atmosphere of the evening depicted on the canvas. The original labels on the back of the millboard indicate the intriguing provenance of the painting and its historical value (see photo). National Portrait Gallery dates this label on millboard as late 1830’s- early 1840’s – see attached screenshot.  Together, the painting and frame create a harmonious whole, a work of European art that will add a touch of historical charm and elegance to any collection.
Size app.: 35 × 43 cm (roughly 13.8 x 16.9 in), frame 54 × 61.5 cm (roughly 21.3 x 24.2 in). Overall in very good condition with just minor wear. The painting is housed in its spectacular original Rococo style frame, featuring ornate, gilded brass repoussé (stamped) ornamentation over a solid wood base, little age wear. Please study good resolution images for cosmetic condition. In person actual painting may appear darker or brighter than in our pictures, strictly depending on sufficient light in your environment. Weight of app. 2.7 kg is going to measure 5 kg packed for shipment.