This has to be in the top 3 most of the most gorgeous pieces you've shown us. The shawl, lace and jewelry are astonishing, and made even more so by the serene simplicity of her face. TRULY a stunner.

I was watching this on my phone while sitting with my mom who has late stage Alzheimer’s. She was so engaged and was sad when the video was over.  Thank you!

The shawl is probably cashmere.  I’m not a painter, I’m a fibre artist, and I’m thoroughly impressed by the way the painter captured the softness, drape, and lustre of the fabric.  Truly a stunner.

Someone who studies fashion history here: the blanket is likely an imitation of fine Indian shawls that were extremely popular with women at the time this was painted (judging by the shape of the bodice and decoration, around 1818). Even more exciting for me than the shawl is the fact that EVERY stitch was rendered by the painter! It is absolutely incredible that they took the time to represent every prick of the interior construction, probably minute running stitches, on the exterior silk satin. You can also see that the front of the bodice is joined together with tiny whip stitches on the exterior. Absolutely fascinating for someone who is interested in historic dressmaking techniques!!

It is really nice to see a painting that hasn't been damaged and with just a bit of masterwork comes out amazing.

This is one I wish I could see in the real world. The level of detail of the lace and different fabrics is stunning.

For all those in the comments searching for the name of the artist:
Jean Baptist Lodewyck Maes, Portrait de dame, 1818
a Belgian-Flemish artist
(70,5 x 55,5 cm (27,8 x 21,9 in), oil on canvas, it was sold at auction in 2025)

The artist who painted this was absolutely phenomenal. The detail is fantastic and must have taken so much time to do. I must agree with most of the other commentators that this is one of the best we have seen you restore.

I think this is one of my favourite portraits on this channel. When you zoom in at the texture of a garment it usually easy to see that it's a painting. Here it looks like a photo. Artist was quite amazing. I'm glad that your client decided to remove the varnish. It brought the painting back to life.❤

The amount of lint under the stretcher looked like that painting was in the laundry room. 😂

I don't remember ever seeing another painting where it looked like you could reach out and touch the cloth in the image and feel the texture of the cloth as if you were in the room touching it when the painting was made.

This artist was a true master of texture! My mind is blown! Stunning indeed.

When you removed the old varnish i actually gasped out loud. She really is a stunner

After seeing so many old paintings discolored by aged varnish, I had begun to assume that things were just more yellow in the past.

This is easily in the top 5 old varnish removal reveals on this channel

it's nice to see a painting that hasn't been to hell and back, and just needs some touch-ups due to aging.

The artist was totally in control of painting different surface textures and now that his painting has gone trough your skillful hands it's there again for everyone to see.

While I am always impressed with Julian's craft in these videos. This is without doubt my favourite painting Julian has shared on his channel. WOW.

This is the most exquisite portrait I've ever seen. 14:00 you can see the stitching around her green bodice frilling! And you can almost see the stitches making up the needle-work lace around the cuff of her sleeve!  Astounding and so beautiful.  <3 <3 <3

I am completely mesmerised by how realistic the earings are.