Antique French Oval Portrait in Original Gilt Frame — Versailles Studio Label

A captivating antique French portrait housed in its original oval giltwood frame, richly carved and displaying a beautifully mellowed gold patina. The sitter — a woman dressed in a dark velvet jacket with pearl-like accents and a dramatic feathered hat — is rendered with remarkable softness and sensitivity. Her gentle expression, elegant attire, and upright posture speak to the timeless dignity found in late 19th-century portraiture.

The back of the piece features a rare maker’s label:

“Photographie Jougla, 45 Rue de la Paroisse, Versailles.”

This identifies the artwork as coming from a renowned photography and portrait studio active near the Palace of Versailles. Jougla produced high-quality portraits and painted photographic enlargements for the Parisian elite and families connected to the court-adjacent region. Pieces with this label are coveted for their connection to the historic artistic community of Versailles.

 

Whether painted directly from life or hand-finished from a photographic study — a common practice of the time — the portrait carries a quiet refinement that feels both intimate and noble.

 

The original oval gilt frame is a work of art on its own: deeply carved with alternating bead-and-leaf motifs, displaying age-softened gold leaf, cracks, and wear that add incredible authenticity  

 Measurements: 17.5” H x 15” W x 2” D

Era

Late 19th to Early 20th Century

Origin

Versailles, France

(With original Photographie Jougla studio label)

Materials

Oil on board (likely studio-painted over a photographic base)

Original carved giltwood frame

Studio backing paper (aged and fragmentary)

 

Condition Notes

• Age wear, cracks, and patina to the gilt frame
• Backing paper missing in areas, showing expected wear
• Painting surface stable with natural age toning
  Everything is beautifully consistent with an authentic antique portrait and its period framing.

 

How to Style

• Center above a console, vanity, or writing desk
• Add to a salon-style gallery wall of portraits and landscapes
• Pair with brass accents, dark woods, and antique books
• Display in a moody library or hallway for a touch of French nobility