John Brett

Lady with a Dove (Madame Loeser)

1864

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In Tate Britain

Walk Through British Art: 1840

Free entry

Artist: John Brett 1831–1902
Medium: Oil paint on canvas
Dimensions: Support: 610 x 457 mm
frame: 785 x 632 x 80 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Presented by Lady Holroyd in accordance with the wishes of the late Sir Charles Holroyd 1919
Reference: N03393

Display caption

Jeannette Loeser, the subject of this portrait, was romantically involved with John Brett until the spring of 1865. The portrait was largely painted in Rome in the early months of 1864, and completed in London in August that year. The wing of the dove echoes the curved outline of the sitter’s skirt, and the dove motif is repeated in the mosaic brooch on her shoulder. Each corner of the frame is decorated with a winged cherub that looks into the picture as if in admiration of her beauty.

Gallery label, November 2016

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