137 - English school, second half of the 18th century.

English school, second half of the 18th century. "Portrait of Frances Isabella Master." Pastel on paper. With handwritten labels on the back. Measurements: 56 × 46 cm; 69 × 59 cm (frame). This feminine portrait responds to the refined taste of the English school of the XVIII century, where the pastel reached a remarkable diffusion for its capacity to capture with smoothness the flesh, the luminosity of the face and the delicacy of the fabrics. The model is depicted bust-length, slightly turned towards the viewer, with a serene and restrained expression that reinforces the intimate character of the work. The composition stands out for the elegance of the attire, resolved in a range of bright blues and pearly whites, enlivened by subtle touches of gold. The treatment of the face, with light tones and delicate modeling, contrasts with the dark background, which concentrates the attention on the figure and accentuates the aristocratic presence of the sitter. The labels preserved on the back identify the lady as Frances Isabella Master, born Dalison, and provide genealogical information about the family, which adds documentary interest to the piece. Beyond its value as a portrait, the work thus preserves a historical memory linked to the lineage and social context of 18th century England.