American School, second quarter 19th century, watercolor portrait of a young woman, her dark hair styled in ringlets and wearing a crimson gown with white shawl having a fine floral embroidered border. Around her neck, the subject wears a hairwork cross, and at her chest a gold and garnet brooch. Her left arm rests on a tabletop next to a leather-bound book. Unsigned. Housed under glass with a gold metal mat in a tooled leather, silk-lined hinged case. Image 3" H x 2 3/8" W. Case 3 5/8" H x 3 1/4" W.

CONDITION: There is a 3/16" spot lower left, on subject's sleeve, that may be a spot of water damage, or a part of the billowing sleeve effect. 2 minuscule flakes to lower left, sleeve area. Abrasion around perimeter of painting from glass/framing materials (subject's face and upper chest are in excellent condition). The glass has tape residue to sides, likely responsible for creating friction to the sides of the painting. Glass, gold frame and painting are currently detached from each other and from the case.