Two young women by a well, circa 1850 by Nicolas Edward Gabé

Two young women by a well, circa 1850
Signed: Monogrammed at the bottom right, corresponding to the painter Nicolas Edward Gabé
Period: Mid-19th century
Technique: Oil on canvas, canvas needs small restoration
Dimensions: Without frame H 40 cm x W 33 cm; with frame H 61 cm x W 51 cm
Frame: Gilded period frame
Exhibitions: Possible participation in a 19th-century exhibition, with number "165" visible on the artwork

Description:
Painting depicting two young women dressed in traditional 19th-century attire, seated next to a well. One figure wears a large striped shawl and a green skirt, while the other, more modestly dressed, holds a white handkerchief. The background features a sparse natural setting and an intimate, contemplative atmosphere, elements characteristic of Gabé's works. The painting showcases a balanced composition with careful attention to light and textile details.

In the upper left corner of the artwork, there is a numbered label "165," which may indicate the painting's participation in an official exhibition of the time. Information regarding this is incomplete, but such numbering was commonly used in the catalogs of the Paris Salon and other provincial exhibitions, such as those in Boulogne-sur-Mer and Marseille, where Gabé exhibited his works.

Condition: Some abrasions on the canvas

Notes: Nicolas Edward Gabé was an artist active at the Paris Salon from 1835 to 1864, known for his versatility in working with miniatures, portraits, marine landscapes, and genre scenes. He also participated in exhibitions in Boulogne-sur-Mer and Marseille. The presence of the number "165" on the artwork suggests possible exhibition in an official context.