William Salter Herrick

An elegant and highly accomplished Victorian portrait by William Salter Herrick (active 1852–1880), depicting a beautiful young lady shown half-length, gazing thoughtfully into the distance. She wears a finely painted white dress with a soft green over-jacket adorned with gilt buttons, her dark hair decorated with a crimson flower.

The artist demonstrates exceptional skill in the delicate modelling of the sitter’s face, luminous complexion and expressive eyes, together with beautifully rendered fabrics and subtle tonal transitions. The restrained palette and refined execution are characteristic of high-quality British portraiture of the mid-19th century.

The painting is signed and dated lower left and retains an old Manchester framer’s label to the reverse reading “Manchester, 14 Exchange Street,” providing an interesting period provenance.

Presented in an attractive gilt frame with decorative gilt slip.

A charming Victorian portrait that would suit both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Measurements

Overall size (including frame):

* 50 × 45 cm

* 19.7 × 17.7 inches

Canvas size:

* 28 × 23 cm

* 11.0 × 9.1 inches

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Condition

Overall presented in good antique condition.

* Signed lower left.

* Craquelure consistent with age.

* Evidence of historic restoration and retouching visible under close inspection, mainly to areas of the costume.

* Canvas remains stable.

* Frame displays age-related wear, minor losses and surface marks, as expected for an antique frame.

* Retains an old framer’s label verso from Manchester, 14 Exchange Street.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.