The lion figure was synonymous with the British Empire and was a common theme in Victorian England. The painting is housed in its original gilded frame which has an ornate design also common in 1880s England. The unknown artist clearly had classical training as evidenced by the deliberate transparent peeks of underpainting, building up to opaque highlights of impasto.

The painting is unsigned and there are no apparent identifying marks.

Medium: oil on linen

Size of support: 17 1/2” x 22” Outside frame dimension: 24 1/2” x 28”

Period of creation: c. 1860-1880

Condition: The original canvas is freshly lined with Belgian linen. Several tears have been repaired, filled, and inpainted.  Dammar varnish has been applied to complete the process.  It maintains its original stretcher which is in excellent condition. The period appropriate frame appears to be original and is in has some age related losses that have been touched up, the mitres have been freshly glued and tightened.