Gertrude Stephanoff (d.1808)
`Christmas Steps & St.Barts Hospital, Bristol`
 An interesting and historically important watercolour depicting the bottom of Christmas steps in Bristol in the early 19th century. Even then the buildings depicted were ancient, believed to date back to the 13th century. The arched gateway is the entrance to St.Bartholomew`s hospital, and the building on the left is now a chippy, in itself believed to be one of the oldest in Britain at over 100 yrs. Most interesting is the statue which stands next to the arch. It was a depiction of the Madonna and child and presumably had associations with the hospital. Until fairly recently it stood outside but minus the head, which legend has it was hacked off by Oliver Cromwell. However in this picture which I think dates to the early 19th century the head is clearly seen ! It now stands inside the archway which is now St.Bartholemews court. The painting is monogrammed GS bottom left, and verso attributed to G.Stephanoff . Gertrude Stephanoff (d.1808) was the wife of artist Fileter Stephanoff (d.1790) and later in life most likely was a Bristol resident. Painting has new ingres mount and regilded heavy antique frame. Ready to hang. Old mount was too damaged to use so relevant attribution and title have been preserved and attached verso. Bristol framers label dated 1908.