This lovely genre scene with peasant girl self decorated with cherries was executed by listed Austrian painter Ludwig Graf (1838 Vienna - 1894 Veldes). He studied at the Viennese Fine Art Academy under Chr.von Ruben. Initially  devoted himself to history painting, later to the genre and, since 1873, almost afterwards to portraits. From 1864 he was represented at most of the Viennese exhibitions. On the Hradschin (Prague) his portrait of King Ferdinand.

Literature: artist lexicons: Thieme/Becker; Prof.H.Fuchs;F.v.Boetticher " Painting works of 19th century ", 1898.

Inscription: signed and dated 1874 lower right.

Technique: oil on wood panel, original period gold-plated frame.

Measuruments: unframed w 6 2/3” x h 8 7/8” (17 x 22,5 cm), framed w 10 2/3” x h 12 1/3” (27 x 31,5 cm) .

Condition: very good.