Early 20th-Century Pastel Portrait of an Elegant Woman in a Green Bonnet - 28" x 24"

beneath the chin with a dark ribbon. Shown in three-quarter profile, she has a poised, almost coquettish expression, while the soft handling of the pastel gives the face and shoulders a delicate, luminous quality. The pale pink ground and touches of green and blue keep the composition light and refined. The work is signed at the lower left, although the signature is difficult to read clearly.

The portrait is particularly well served by its frame. A wide, warm-toned wooden outer frame surrounds an ornate gilt inner border with scrolling Rococo-style ornament, creating a rich contrast with the softness of the pastel while echoing the curves of her bonnet, ribbon and shoulders. The combination enhances the graceful, slightly flirtatious character of the image without overpowering it. It has enough scale to hold a wall on its own and would work beautifully in a bedroom, dressing room or sitting room, where its feminine palette, elegant subject and decorative framing would bring a light, sophisticated note to the space.