Victorian genre painting, depicting an attractive young lady in a bonnet and pinkish-gold dress seated in a chair, holding a picture book. Visible in the background is a window with landscape beyond. Signed and dated 1873, lower right, appears to be "P. Wheeler" and partially hidden under the frame (note brass plaque gives incorrect date of 1860). Housed in an antique gilt wood and composition frame. Sight - 17 1/8" H x 13 1/2" W. Framed - 25 1/8" H x 21 3/4" W. Provenance: Property of the Birmingham Museum of Art.

Old relining; black light indicates possible varnish losses or overpainting in the background just above subject's head. Some cupping to canvas in same area; scattered minor losses to frame.