Vintage “Simplicity” Portrait Print after Sir Joshua Reynolds | Dayton Company Framed Art

A beautifully framed vintage print after Sir Joshua Reynolds’ celebrated 1785 portrait Simplicity, also known as A Portrait of Miss Theophila Gwatkin.

The portrait depicts Reynolds’ young grand-niece, Theophila Gwatkin, dressed in white with a lace bonnet and distinctive blue sash, a small gathering of flowers resting in her lap. The muted palette and soft pastoral setting give the image the quiet character that made Simplicity an enduring subject for later decorative prints.

This example is particularly appealing for its period presentation. The print is housed behind glass in a solid wood frame with an aged bronze-gold finish. The reverse retains a label from The Dayton Company Picture Galleries of Minneapolis, Minnesota, documenting where the piece was professionally framed and adding an interesting piece of American department-store history to its provenance.

Its portrait subject, aged frame and touches of blue make it an easy addition to a traditional gallery wall, collected portrait grouping, English-inspired interior or layered display.

Details

• Vintage framed portrait print
• After Sir Joshua Reynolds’ Simplicity, 1785
• Also known as A Portrait of Miss Theophila Gwatkin
• Portrait of Reynolds’ grand-niece, Theophila Gwatkin
• White lace bonnet and blue sash
• Print displayed behind glass
• Solid wood frame with aged bronze-gold finish
• Professionally framed by The Dayton Company Picture Galleries
• Minneapolis, Minnesota gallery label retained
• Ready to hang

Approx. Measurements

14½” H × 11½” W

Condition

Good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear. The solid wood frame shows surface wear, patina and finish variation consistent with age. The print remains displayed behind glass. The paper backing on the reverse has some tearing and deterioration from age, while the Dayton Company Picture Galleries label remains present. Please review all photographs carefully as part of the condition description.

Vintage piece. Age-appropriate wear expected.