The Secret Letter (or Two Ladies Reading a Letter)
Painting on canvas • E. La Fontaine (Signed bottom right)
Style & Movement
Belle Époque / Academic Genre Painting (Neo-Rococo/Costume Drama style)
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, employing academic realism with fine brushwork, glazing, and soft chiaroscuro for interior lighting.
Creation Period
Late 19th Century (c. 1870-1890)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 24 inches (excluding frame); horizontal landscape format.
Subject Description
An interior genre scene depicting two women in 17th-century style dress (Renaissance/Baroque revival) reading a letter by a large fireplace. A man in a red doublet and feathered cap approaches a table laden with lace, a vase of flowers, and a quill. The composition suggests a narrative of courtly intrigue or romance.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The paint film appears stable, though the varnish has slightly yellowed with age.
Estimated Market Value
$1,200 - $2,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,500 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely sold through European or American art markets in the late 19th or early 20th century to a private collector. Signature suggests a French or Continental origin.
Art Historical Significance
Illustrates the late Victorian fascination with 'costume' painting and historical romanticism. It reflects the market demand for nostalgic, technically proficient scenes of domesticity and intrigue inspired by 17th-century Dutch and French masters.
Notable Features
Clearly signed 'E. La Fontaine' in the lower right corner. The painting is housed in a contemporary mahogany-tone frame with gilt bead molding that enhances the historical aesthetic.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dirt accumulation, slight yellowing of the protective varnish layer, and minor craquelure consistent with age. Small frame abrasions on the periphery.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning and a light varnish refresh are recommended. Store in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light.