Rose Ann Russell

The young lady in this appealing portrait has been traditionally known as Rose Ann Russell though her family connections have proved elusive to trace. Rose is wearing a wide-shouldered dress trimmed with blue satin ribbon and buckled on the waist, a style that was fashionable during the 1830s into the 1840s. Her striking auburn hair hangs in long ringlets and is decorated with a pretty jewelled ferronnière.

Although unsigned, the portrait is attributed to the hand of Maria Chalon (later Mrs Moseley). It is presented in a handsome gold fausee-montre frame that is glazed on the reverse to show plaited blonde hair.

The daughter of an artist, Maria Chalon was born in 1797. She grew up surrounded by paintbrushes and easels and was taught how to paint by her father. Specialising in miniature portraits, Maria exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1819 initially under her maiden name and after 1840 under her married name. Her husband, Henry Moseley, was also a professional artist.