Original vintage French oil on canvas by Constant LE BRETON (1895-1985), signed top right. Portrait of a pretty young girl with a pink blouse and black mantilla. The dark background and the scarf add a touch of solemnity in what is otherwise a youthful depiction of a young lady.

Known for his portraits, still lifes, and landscapes, LE BRETON was born into a family of sailors from the Loire region. Having studied in Nantes and Mans, he was accepted at the School of Decorative Arts in Paris but was unable to attend due to a lack of financial support. The First World War took him to the front in the Dardanelles and the East, after which he returned to Paris, where he gained recognition for his book illustrations. He soon obtained a scholarship at the Blumenthal Foundation for his war drawings, which allowed him to experiment with paintings as an artistic medium.

He had a prolific career during which he painted portraits for Alphonse de Chateaubriant, Ingrid Bergman, and the countess of Chabrignac among others.

In original grey wood frame and overall great vintage condition.

52.5 x 63 cm (image) • 21 x 25 in

78 x 89 cm (frame) • 31 x 35 in