This is a beautiful and refined Fine Antique 19th c. Roman Woman Art Nouveau Neoclassical Portrait Painting, Watercolor on Paper, by seldomly seen early California painter, Ada Brooke Drake (1874 - 1951.) This portrait depicts the beautiful and finely detailed depiction of a young Roman maiden, wearing head ornaments of grapes and grape leaves, with curly auburn hair. The subject's large blue eyes look off to the side of the viewer, and the figure wears a flowing white toga. Signed in graphite: "A. Drake" at the lower right edge. Approximately 15 1/4 x 19 1/4 inches (including frame.) Actual visible artwork is approximately 8 1/2 x 11 3/4 inches. This piece likely dates to the 1890's - 1910's. Good condition for over a century of age, with mild speckles of soiling to the painted surface, and moderate - heavy scuffing and gilding loss to the original period gilded wood frame (please see photos.) Acquired in Los Angeles County, California. If you like what you see, I encourage you to make an Offer. Please check out my other listings for more wonderful and unique artworks!

About the Artist:

Born in England on June 16, 1874. Drake settled in Los Angeles about 1928 and lived there until her demise on July 4, 1951. Her work includes landscapes of the Sierra.

Edan Hughes, "Artists in California, 1786-1940"
City Directory; Death record.