Unknown - portrait of young lady

This is a well painted portrait by an American artist and dates to around 1845. Sadly, the sitter is unknown, but the style of the portrait suggests it was painted shortly after the daguerreotype was introduced in 1840, as the sitter is gazing at the artist is a manner seen in early photographs, when it was necessary to keep absolutely still while the photo was taken.

The artist is unknown, although there are some similarities with the work of Moses B Russell.  The sitter has a strong chin and looks to be a determined young lady. 1468.

 This is one of over a dozen American portraits in the collection, from around 1830-35, all depicting young ladies wearing a "little black dress", and thus indicating the 19C origin of the proverbial fashion item, of  a "little black dress" usually claimed as being in the 1920's.