Franz Xavier Winterhalter (Mezenschwand 1805-1873 Frankfurt am Main)
Portrait of a lady
signed 'FWinterhalter' (center left)
oil on canvas, oval 25 x 20 in. (63.5 x 50.8 cm.)
ca. 1855-60
Private Collection
Image via Bridgeman Images
This is one of what are known as "boudoir" portraits. With the hair down, the very informal state of undress, and the rather come-hither looks, these are exceedingly intimate images of the sitters, clearly not meant for the public's eye. Rather, these were made for husbands and lovers. And yes, there's a few floating around with royals' faces on them.