Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 15

Early 19th Century Portrait of Elizabeth Clough of Keighley, Yorkshire Unsigned

Circa 1830

$25,000
£18,673.80
€21,649.30
CA$34,711.88
A$38,907.54
CHF 20,258.02
MX$475,077.75
NOK 257,203.20
SEK 243,805.50
DKK 161,527.20
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Early 19th Century Portrait of a Lady -- Elizabeth Clough of Keighley, Yorkshire - Unsigned An unsigned, finely executed example of British academic portraiture bearing the hallmarks of the circle of Sir Henry Raeburn (Scottish, 1756–1823), circa 1830. This distinguished three-quarter length portrait depicts Elizabeth Clough (b. circa 1970-1770s), matriarch of the Clough family of Keighley, West Yorkshire. The piece was commissioned by her son, John Clough (1799–1863), a prominent engineer and industrialist in Keighley. Clough owned and operated Grove Mills, a major worsted spinning and manufacturing facility which employed a significant portion of the local workforce. Elizabeth Clough is portrayed seated in an upholstered armchair, dressed in sober but elegant attire—a dark shawl and a crisp white cap tied beneath her chin. Her direct, steady gaze and flushed cheeks convey quiet strength and maternal dignity. The subdued, neutral background serves to emphasize the face and upper body, while still maintaining an airy and light feel. The face is rendered with sensitive modeling and naturalistic lighting, while the fabric of her garments contain blockier brushstrokes yet do not lose their sensitivity. These characteristics, combined with the information gleaned from the label, place this piece in the tradition of early 19th century Scottish portraiture. Medium: Oil on linen Unsigned (Circle of Sir Henry Raeburn) Sitter: Elizabeth Clough (b. circa 1770) commissioned by her son John Clough (UK 1799 – 1863) Original label affixed to stretcher bar (see images and description of contents below) Condition: Consistent with age and wear; professionally cleaned. Provenance: From local art collectors estate. Presented in period-consistent carved giltwood frame, richly adorned with scrollwork and floral motifs. Canvas size: 30 X 25 inches Framed size: 39 X 35 inches First label in images on verso is photographed unaltered with studio lighting. 1st line: "Portrait of a ____" 2nd line: "Sir H___ Raeb____" 3rd line: "The ______ of 4th line: "_____ Glough, Egr. ______" 5th line: "Keighley" Next image shows close up of UV-enhanced label: 1st line: "Portrait of a L___" 2nd line: "Sir H____ Rae_____" 4th line: "The _____ Glough, Egr. ______" 5th line: "Keighley" Next image shows close up of UV-enhanced label utilizing photoshop script to enhance indistinct or partial letters using known signature example of Sir Henry Raeburn: 1st line: "Portrait of a Lady" 2nd line: "Sir H____ Rae_____" 4th line: "The Mother John Glough, Egr. ______" 5th line: "Keighley" Sir Henry Raeburn, FRSE, RA, RSA (1756–1823) was a prominent Scottish portrait painter who is now largely credited for the revival of Scottish art in the early 19th century. Born in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, he was orphaned at a young age and subsequently educated at Heriot’s Hospital. He began his career as a goldsmith's apprentice, creating portrait miniatures before transitioning to oil painting, largely self-taught. Raeburn married the wealthy Ann Edgar, which enabled him to study art in Italy, where he was advised by Sir Joshua Reynolds and others. Upon returning to Edinburgh in 1787, Raeburn quickly gained success, painting notable figures like Sir Walter Scott and Dugald Stewart. He became known for his vigorous brushwork, strong characterizations, and dramatic lighting. His direct painting style and refusal to make preparatory sketches set him apart from contemporaries, incorporating elements of Romanticism. He was knighted by King George IV in 1822 and appointed the King’s limner for Scotland. He died in 1823 at his home in Stockbridge, Edinburgh.
  • Creation Year:
    Circa 1830
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 39 in (99.06 cm)Width: 35 in (88.9 cm)Depth: 3 in (7.62 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Circle Of:
    Sir Henry Raeburn (1756 - 1823, British)
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Unsigned. Condition consistent with age. Visible craquelure throughout. Professionally cleaned of environmental dirt and yellowed varnish removed. Period gilt frame appears to be refitted for painting and included as-is.
  • Gallery Location:
    Soquel, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: D-JMA94071stDibs: LU54216279282

More From This Seller

View All
Portrait of Gerardina Van Osch by Dutch artist Johan Hendrik Neuman (Dutch)
Located in Soquel, CA
A beautiful realist mid 19th century portrait of Gerardina Van Osch (Dutch, 1819-1898) by Jan Hendrik Neuman (Johan Heinrich Neuman) (German, 1819-1898). S...
Category

Mid-19th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Linen, Oil

19th Century Italian School Portrait of Peasant Girl
Located in Soquel, CA
Charming 19th Century Italian School portrait of peasant girl by unknown artist, circa 1840. Partial signature lower right edge. Condition: fai...
Category

1850s Italian School Portrait Paintings

Materials

Linen, Oil

Turn of Century English Portrait of Mrs. Rogerson
By John Charlton
Located in Soquel, CA
Elegant Victorian original oil portrait of Mrs. Rogerson by John Charlton Robert Azensky Fine Art is pleased to offer this fine example of Victorian portraiture of Mrs. Frances Mary...
Category

Early 1900s Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Linen, Oil, Stretcher Bars

Early 20th Century 1920s Portrait of a Boyarina
By Bell Dibble Taft
Located in Soquel, CA
Charming portrait of Russian Boyarina by Bell Dibble Taft (American, 1855-1937), 1921. Signed and dated lower left corner and gallery label for Oakland Gallery Exhibit (Oakand Museum...
Category

1920s Realist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

Vintage Original Oil Portrait of Woman "I see you"
Located in Soquel, CA
Robert Azensky is pleased to offer a signed vintage original oil portrait of a woman "I see you" Compelling mid century modern portrait of a woman with expression that gets a wide v...
Category

1970s American Modern Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Illustration Board

Portrait of the Artist's Mother as a Young Woman, in Oil on Board
By Russell Tripp
Located in Soquel, CA
Portrait of the Artist's Mother as a Young Woman, in Oil on Board Elegant portrait by Russell R. Tripp (American, 1942-2025). This portrait, rendered in a warm, classical style, cap...
Category

1970s Photorealist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

You May Also Like

1870’s Victorian English Portrait of Country House Lady Large Oil on Canvas
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Lady English artist, circa 1870’s oil painting on canvas, framed framed: 36 x 31 inches canvas : 30 x 25 inches provenance: private collection, England condition: over...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Mid-19th-Century German School, Portrait Of A Woman
Located in Cheltenham, GB
This fine mid-19th-century German miniature depicts a woman wearing a black dress and a beautiful white and lilac day cap. Produced around 1840, this exquisite piece on porcelain is...
Category

1840s Victorian Portrait Paintings

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Oil - Victorian Lady
Located in Corsham, GB
Unsigned. On canvas.
Category

19th Century Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

American School Portrait of a Lady
Located in New York, NY
Portrait of a Lady, c. 1900 Oil on canvas 36 x 28 1/2 in. Framed: 37 3/4 x 30 1/2 in.
Category

Early 1900s American Realist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Portrait of Anna Maria Porter, early 19th Century attributed to THOMAS BARBER
By Thomas Barber
Located in Blackwater, GB
Portrait of Anna Maria Porter, early 19th Century attributed to THOMAS BARBER (1768-1843) Early 19th century portrait of Anna Maria Porter, oil on canvas attributed to Thomas Porte...
Category

Early 19th Century Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Portrait Of Miss Quincy, Massachusetts, USA, 19th Century American School
Located in Blackwater, GB
Portrait Of Miss Quincy, Massachusetts, USA, 19th Century American School Large 19th Century American School portrait of a "Miss Quincy" Massachusetts, oil on canvas. Good early Am...
Category

Early 19th Century Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil