Contact Seller
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Tel07494 763382Please quote Antiques Atlas.
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Non UK callers :
+44 7494 763382
Portrait Beatrice Mary Clifford (b.1861), Aged 14
Beatrice Mary Clifford (b.1861), Aged Fourteen
Attributed to Alexander Maclean (Scottish, 1840–1877), Equestrian Portrait, circa 1875
A distinguished Victorian oil on canvas depicting Beatrice Mary Clifford (b.1861), portrayed at the age of fourteen.
Executed with remarkable sensitivity and restraint, this portrait captures a poised young equestrienne standing in quiet confidence — an image of refinement, discipline, and early womanhood within the genteel world of late nineteenth-century England.
Beatrice is shown in graceful three-quarter profile, dressed in a tailored black riding jacket, crisp white blouse, and vivid turquoise cravat. She holds her riding crop with composure, her golden-brown gloves softly illuminated by the artist’s deft control of tone and light. The harmony of colour, form, and expression reveals the painter’s academic precision and emotive realism, hallmarks of Alexander Maclean’s mature style.
The Sitter: Beatrice Mary Clifford (1861 – c.1930)
Beatrice Mary Clifford was born in 1861, the eldest daughter of William Henry Clifford (1821–1908) and Caroline Clifford (née Phelps, 1829–1916) of Chestal House, Dursley, Gloucestershire. Her maternal grandfather, James Phelps of Chestal, was a prosperous wool merchant and banker who built the family’s elegant country seat around 1848.
The union of the Phelps and Clifford families combined industrial prosperity with landed heritage, establishing one of Gloucestershire’s most respected households.
Raised amid the cultivated surroundings of Chestal — with its parkland, stables, and formal gardens — Beatrice received a privileged education in refinement and equestrian accomplishment. Riding was central to family life and social identity, and this portrait captures not only her poise and composure but also the confidence and discipline that defined the young women of her class.
The work likely commemorated her entry into young society — a symbolic transition from childhood to genteel womanhood — expressed through the imagery of the Victorian equestrienne: elegant, dignified, and self-possessed.
Subject & Medium
A magnificent example of Victorian portraiture, this oil on canvas depicts a young lady of distinction poised with quiet authority. Her attire — a fitted black riding jacket, white blouse, and turquoise cravat — embodies the fashionable refinement of the 1870s. The golden-brown gloves introduce warmth and contrast against the cool tones of her clothing, while her serene gaze conveys both discipline and grace. The artist’s handling of surface and texture demonstrates the technical sophistication characteristic of high academic painting of the period.
The Portrait (c.1875)
Painted around 1875, when Beatrice was fourteen, this portrait likely marked her social coming of age. During the Victorian era, equestrian portraits of young women were a popular means of expressing familial pride and feminine virtue. They celebrated not only beauty and refinement but also moral steadiness and gentility.
Archival and stylistic evidence supports the identification of the sitter as Beatrice Mary Clifford, described in family papers as “a young equestrian lady of the Phelps family, later Clifford family, of Chestal, Dursley.”
Composition & Technique
Executed with exceptional delicacy, the portrait exemplifies the romantic realism of late Victorian art. The deep blacks and cool greys of her riding attire are offset by the luminous turquoise of her cravat and the gentle warmth of her complexion. The neutral background enhances the sitter’s presence without distraction.
Maclean’s brushwork combines smooth modelling in the face and hands with expressive texture in the garments and background, balanced by refined chiaroscuro — a hallmark of academic portraiture.
A fine, even craquelure across the surface confirms both its age and authenticity.
Signature
The painting bears the clear signature “A. Maclean” in the lower corner, executed in fine script consistent with authenticated works by Alexander Maclean (1840–1877).
The signature’s placement, pigment tone, and brushwork align closely with those recorded on Maclean’s exhibited pieces at the Royal Academy in the 1870s. It remains crisp and legible beneath the original varnish, supporting its authenticity and period origin.
The Artist: Alexander Maclean (1840–1877)
Born in Helensburgh, Scotland, Alexander Maclean studied in Edinburgh before refining his art in Rome, Florence, and Antwerp. His work reflects a synthesis of classical training and emotive realism, qualities that earned him recognition at the Royal Academy between 1872 and 1877.
Among his best-known paintings are Covent Garden Market and At the Railings, St. Paul’s, both admired for their mastery of light and subtle psychological depth.
A comparable work, Covent Garden Market, achieved USD $102,700 at Christie’s, underscoring continuing appreciation for his artistry.
Later Life of Beatrice Clifford
Archival sources suggest that Beatrice remained unmarried, residing at or near Chestal throughout her life and assisting in family affairs following her father’s death. When Chestal was sold in 1967, several family portraits — including this one — were dispersed, prompting the “Missing Phelps Portraits” appeal by the Gloucestershire Archives.
Although few personal documents survive, this painting endures as a rare and poignant record of a young woman negotiating Victorian ideals of womanhood — poised, intelligent, and quietly independent in spirit.
Frame
Presented in its original ornate giltwood frame, richly carved with floral motifs and layers of gilding. The warm golden tones harmonise beautifully with the sitter’s complexion and the palette of the painting.
The frame displays gentle, age-related wear, including minor scuffs, small repairs, and limited overpainting, yet retains its full Victorian splendour and authenticity.
Provenance
Likely commissioned by the Clifford family of Chestal
By descent within the family
Private Collection, United Kingdom
Gloucestershire Archives, D3831, Phelps–Clifford Family Papers
“Missing Phelps Portraits,” Gloucestershire Heritage Hub (accessed 2025)
W.A. Smith (Late J. Green)
D.T. Beesley Ltd
Phelps No. 115
Private Collection, Greater London
Exhibited: Famous Lord Hill Museum
Collection of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Each provenance reference reinforces the painting’s authenticity and distinguished heritage.
Why Collect This Work
A masterful nineteenth-century portrait uniting beauty, craftsmanship, and provenance
The sitter — a poised young equestrienne — epitomises Victorian grace and discipline
Signed and attributed to Alexander Maclean, a highly regarded Scottish painter
Presented in its original giltwood frame with full period integrity
A statement piece for collectors of fine Victorian art and portraiture
This portrait speaks across centuries — dignified, radiant, and profoundly human.
Shipping
Worldwide shipping available. Each work is professionally packaged and fully insured for secure international delivery.
For purchase or further information, please contact Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Enquiries are warmly welcomed. We offer our clients 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our fine art, antiques & collectibles!
We ship worldwide with expert bespoke professional wrapping & packing and offer attractive international shipping rates with insurance – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.
We Offer Free delivery to most areas of the U.K mainland except for Scottish Highland & Islands – Please send us your post code for a quote thankyou.
Registered Office Address
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ
Company Number 15666518
GB VAT registration number 466128775
Making Payment
Goods can be bought by either International bank wire transfer or domestic BACS payment we can email you an invoice together with our banking instructions. Cash upon collection is also accepted. Shipping is with insurance cover. Import duty and taxes payable by the buyer please enquire if you need any assistance. Delivery time is usually within 2 weeks for International and 1 week for domestic shipping approximate. It can be faster depending upon the size and weight of the item(s) that you ordering from us. You are also welcome to arrange for your own courier to collect as long as we have received full cleared bank transfer payment.
SellerCheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
View all stock from
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Private dealer, by appointment only.
71-75 Shelton Street,
Covent Garden,
London, England
WC2H 9JQ.
Tel : 07494 763382
Non UK callers : +44 7494 763382
Get directions to Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Attributed to Alexander Maclean (Scottish, 1840–1877), Equestrian Portrait, circa 1875
A distinguished Victorian oil on canvas depicting Beatrice Mary Clifford (b.1861), portrayed at the age of fourteen.
Executed with remarkable sensitivity and restraint, this portrait captures a poised young equestrienne standing in quiet confidence — an image of refinement, discipline, and early womanhood within the genteel world of late nineteenth-century England.
Beatrice is shown in graceful three-quarter profile, dressed in a tailored black riding jacket, crisp white blouse, and vivid turquoise cravat. She holds her riding crop with composure, her golden-brown gloves softly illuminated by the artist’s deft control of tone and light. The harmony of colour, form, and expression reveals the painter’s academic precision and emotive realism, hallmarks of Alexander Maclean’s mature style.
The Sitter: Beatrice Mary Clifford (1861 – c.1930)
Beatrice Mary Clifford was born in 1861, the eldest daughter of William Henry Clifford (1821–1908) and Caroline Clifford (née Phelps, 1829–1916) of Chestal House, Dursley, Gloucestershire. Her maternal grandfather, James Phelps of Chestal, was a prosperous wool merchant and banker who built the family’s elegant country seat around 1848.
The union of the Phelps and Clifford families combined industrial prosperity with landed heritage, establishing one of Gloucestershire’s most respected households.
Raised amid the cultivated surroundings of Chestal — with its parkland, stables, and formal gardens — Beatrice received a privileged education in refinement and equestrian accomplishment. Riding was central to family life and social identity, and this portrait captures not only her poise and composure but also the confidence and discipline that defined the young women of her class.
The work likely commemorated her entry into young society — a symbolic transition from childhood to genteel womanhood — expressed through the imagery of the Victorian equestrienne: elegant, dignified, and self-possessed.
Subject & Medium
A magnificent example of Victorian portraiture, this oil on canvas depicts a young lady of distinction poised with quiet authority. Her attire — a fitted black riding jacket, white blouse, and turquoise cravat — embodies the fashionable refinement of the 1870s. The golden-brown gloves introduce warmth and contrast against the cool tones of her clothing, while her serene gaze conveys both discipline and grace. The artist’s handling of surface and texture demonstrates the technical sophistication characteristic of high academic painting of the period.
The Portrait (c.1875)
Painted around 1875, when Beatrice was fourteen, this portrait likely marked her social coming of age. During the Victorian era, equestrian portraits of young women were a popular means of expressing familial pride and feminine virtue. They celebrated not only beauty and refinement but also moral steadiness and gentility.
Archival and stylistic evidence supports the identification of the sitter as Beatrice Mary Clifford, described in family papers as “a young equestrian lady of the Phelps family, later Clifford family, of Chestal, Dursley.”
Composition & Technique
Executed with exceptional delicacy, the portrait exemplifies the romantic realism of late Victorian art. The deep blacks and cool greys of her riding attire are offset by the luminous turquoise of her cravat and the gentle warmth of her complexion. The neutral background enhances the sitter’s presence without distraction.
Maclean’s brushwork combines smooth modelling in the face and hands with expressive texture in the garments and background, balanced by refined chiaroscuro — a hallmark of academic portraiture.
A fine, even craquelure across the surface confirms both its age and authenticity.
Signature
The painting bears the clear signature “A. Maclean” in the lower corner, executed in fine script consistent with authenticated works by Alexander Maclean (1840–1877).
The signature’s placement, pigment tone, and brushwork align closely with those recorded on Maclean’s exhibited pieces at the Royal Academy in the 1870s. It remains crisp and legible beneath the original varnish, supporting its authenticity and period origin.
The Artist: Alexander Maclean (1840–1877)
Born in Helensburgh, Scotland, Alexander Maclean studied in Edinburgh before refining his art in Rome, Florence, and Antwerp. His work reflects a synthesis of classical training and emotive realism, qualities that earned him recognition at the Royal Academy between 1872 and 1877.
Among his best-known paintings are Covent Garden Market and At the Railings, St. Paul’s, both admired for their mastery of light and subtle psychological depth.
A comparable work, Covent Garden Market, achieved USD $102,700 at Christie’s, underscoring continuing appreciation for his artistry.
Later Life of Beatrice Clifford
Archival sources suggest that Beatrice remained unmarried, residing at or near Chestal throughout her life and assisting in family affairs following her father’s death. When Chestal was sold in 1967, several family portraits — including this one — were dispersed, prompting the “Missing Phelps Portraits” appeal by the Gloucestershire Archives.
Although few personal documents survive, this painting endures as a rare and poignant record of a young woman negotiating Victorian ideals of womanhood — poised, intelligent, and quietly independent in spirit.
Frame
Presented in its original ornate giltwood frame, richly carved with floral motifs and layers of gilding. The warm golden tones harmonise beautifully with the sitter’s complexion and the palette of the painting.
The frame displays gentle, age-related wear, including minor scuffs, small repairs, and limited overpainting, yet retains its full Victorian splendour and authenticity.
Provenance
Likely commissioned by the Clifford family of Chestal
By descent within the family
Private Collection, United Kingdom
Gloucestershire Archives, D3831, Phelps–Clifford Family Papers
“Missing Phelps Portraits,” Gloucestershire Heritage Hub (accessed 2025)
W.A. Smith (Late J. Green)
D.T. Beesley Ltd
Phelps No. 115
Private Collection, Greater London
Exhibited: Famous Lord Hill Museum
Collection of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Each provenance reference reinforces the painting’s authenticity and distinguished heritage.
Why Collect This Work
A masterful nineteenth-century portrait uniting beauty, craftsmanship, and provenance
The sitter — a poised young equestrienne — epitomises Victorian grace and discipline
Signed and attributed to Alexander Maclean, a highly regarded Scottish painter
Presented in its original giltwood frame with full period integrity
A statement piece for collectors of fine Victorian art and portraiture
This portrait speaks across centuries — dignified, radiant, and profoundly human.
Shipping
Worldwide shipping available. Each work is professionally packaged and fully insured for secure international delivery.
For purchase or further information, please contact Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Enquiries are warmly welcomed. We offer our clients 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our fine art, antiques & collectibles!
We ship worldwide with expert bespoke professional wrapping & packing and offer attractive international shipping rates with insurance – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.
We Offer Free delivery to most areas of the U.K mainland except for Scottish Highland & Islands – Please send us your post code for a quote thankyou.
Registered Office Address
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ
Company Number 15666518
GB VAT registration number 466128775
Making Payment
Goods can be bought by either International bank wire transfer or domestic BACS payment we can email you an invoice together with our banking instructions. Cash upon collection is also accepted. Shipping is with insurance cover. Import duty and taxes payable by the buyer please enquire if you need any assistance. Delivery time is usually within 2 weeks for International and 1 week for domestic shipping approximate. It can be faster depending upon the size and weight of the item(s) that you ordering from us. You are also welcome to arrange for your own courier to collect as long as we have received full cleared bank transfer payment.
Price
Click here to message the seller The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 12/MAR/2026. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
DimensionsDimensions (framed):
Height: 140 cm | Width: 106 cm | Depth: 5 cm
Category Antique Pictures / Engravings / Art
> Antique Oil Paintings
Date 1875
Mid Victorian Antiques Material Oil Painting on Canvas
Origin British
Condition Condition
Surface Fine craquelure with minor professional touch-ups visible under magnification. Minor paint los to the face in areas.
Frame Scuffs and small repairs structurally sound
Overall Stable, well-preserved, and rich in period character
Item code as1013a1264
Status For Sale
£15000.00 
$20023.50
€17377.50
$20023.50
€17377.50
Looking to Buy?
Arrange a final price and delivery details directly with the dealerClick here to message the seller
Conversion rates as of 12/MAR/2026. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
Shipping information
We offer Free Delivery to Mainland England, Wales mainland & Scottish lowlands mainland areas only!
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
Scottish Highlands & all islands also for International buyers please get in touch for an international shipping quote thankyou. Our preferred Payment is by by BACS Bank Transfer, we can also accept stripe, amazon pay, google pay & paypal.
Confirmation of delivery is provided by email or text message, which includes a courier tracking number and date of posting or collection. Shipping costs are charged based upon the type of shipping service used, either express, standard or economy services and size and weight of item.
Delivery by parcel courier within the UK Mainland will be used for all smalls, paintings & all furniture items allow between 2 to 5 working days delivery time. Online tracking can be provided. International delivery airfreight is available estimated delivery times between 5 to 14 working days approximate upon request by providing your full name and address together with a postal area or zip code and a contact phone number.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance and any other charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
Scottish Highlands & all islands also for International buyers please get in touch for an international shipping quote thankyou. Our preferred Payment is by by BACS Bank Transfer, we can also accept stripe, amazon pay, google pay & paypal.
Confirmation of delivery is provided by email or text message, which includes a courier tracking number and date of posting or collection. Shipping costs are charged based upon the type of shipping service used, either express, standard or economy services and size and weight of item.
Delivery by parcel courier within the UK Mainland will be used for all smalls, paintings & all furniture items allow between 2 to 5 working days delivery time. Online tracking can be provided. International delivery airfreight is available estimated delivery times between 5 to 14 working days approximate upon request by providing your full name and address together with a postal area or zip code and a contact phone number.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance and any other charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
Terms and conditions
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
For both domestic & International buyers please get in touch for a shipping quote thankyou. Our payment method is by BACS Bank Transfer for UK domestic clients and for International clients payment is preferred by international bank wire transfer. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.
For International buyers Payment is required within 3 calendar days of the sale being agreed.
If payment is not received within this time. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD reserves the right to consider selling the item (s) to another customer at its discretion.
Deposit payments are accepted, however shipping will not take place until the balance has been paid in full and to advise deposit payments are non refundable.
Upgrades & Exchanges are also offered please ask.
Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt. The buyer is solely responsible for paying the entire costs of the outbound & return shipping costs also any import costs & duty taxes due. Return authorisation should be requested by sending an email before posting. Once we receive the item in good order as supplied not withstanding notified transit damage, we will return partial refund payment using the same payment method less our shipping costs. For any Refunds given the refund amount will have our cost of the outbound shipping costs deducted.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
For both domestic & International buyers please get in touch for a shipping quote thankyou. Our payment method is by BACS Bank Transfer for UK domestic clients and for International clients payment is preferred by international bank wire transfer. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.
For International buyers Payment is required within 3 calendar days of the sale being agreed.
If payment is not received within this time. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD reserves the right to consider selling the item (s) to another customer at its discretion.
Deposit payments are accepted, however shipping will not take place until the balance has been paid in full and to advise deposit payments are non refundable.
Upgrades & Exchanges are also offered please ask.
Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt. The buyer is solely responsible for paying the entire costs of the outbound & return shipping costs also any import costs & duty taxes due. Return authorisation should be requested by sending an email before posting. Once we receive the item in good order as supplied not withstanding notified transit damage, we will return partial refund payment using the same payment method less our shipping costs. For any Refunds given the refund amount will have our cost of the outbound shipping costs deducted.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
View all stock from
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Private dealer, by appointment only.71-75 Shelton Street,
Covent Garden,
London, England
WC2H 9JQ.
Tel : 07494 763382
Non UK callers : +44 7494 763382
Get directions to Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
You may also be interested in
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17th Century Mythological Painting
Oil Painting by James Maule "Fishing Boats going out"
Painting Naive Folk Art Primitive Oil C1850
Great 17th Century Antique Religious Painting
Oil on canvas Still Life of Flower
Italian painting Passion of Christ 17th century
Great 19th-century Mythological Painting
Pair of signed Oil on Board "Sadee"
Lake Salzkammergut Austrian Alps Oil Painting 1860
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