Continental School, possibly French, early 19th century oil on canvas. The painting, likely satirical, depicts a gentleman in tall black hat and spats, carrying a driving whip and knife, with a gleam in his eye and wilted rose in his mouth, approaching a group of five young peasant women, one of whom appears to swoon before him. A French flag is planted in the landscape background with a white sign below reading BAL, and opposite, a sign is posted on a tree reading "SECRET DU SENAT regardant la leves (?) du 1848." Unsigned. Later molded giltwood frame. 14 1/2" H x 18" W sight, 17" H x 21 1/2" W framed. CONDITION: Multiple spots of impact craquelure throughout; alligatoring to sky area, center; 3" area of vertical tenting center right in tree area with overpainting, wear and abrasions upper right corner, 6" x 6" area; scattered tiny spots of wear and abrasions, infill and inclusions throughout; light grime and/or varnish aging, most noticeable in sky area; 1" x 1" area of repair with inpaint between the two women's heads at the far right end. Wax lining.