Paul-Antoine Hallez, Portrait Of A Lady With An Umbrella 1870s and a cafe with timber

and a cafe with timber cladding

It has an unusual atmospheric quality and the details are lifelike and sharp

Johan Larentius Carolinus Leksell (1874-1932)

In the distance

‘Country Lakeside Landscape’ sold for £1

Paul-Antoine Hallez, Portrait Of A Lady With An Umbrella 1870s and a cafe with timberThis early 20th century portrait by French painter Paul Antoine Hallez (1872 1965) depicts a formidable lady with her left hand resting on an umbrella. It has an unusual atmospheric quality and the details are lifelike and sharp. The subject is wearing an impressive outfit incorporating a large lace jabot, wide brimmed black hat, embroidered silk cuffs with lace flounces, and a fur draped around her neck. We spoke to a collector of antique fashion,