A formal nineteenth-century portrait of Maria Antoinette Charlotte Sanderson by British artist Charles Howard Hodges.

Charles Howard Hodges, a British painter who spent much of his career in the Netherlands, produced this portrait of Maria Antoinette Charlotte Sanderson during the early nineteenth century. The work reflects the conventions of formal portraiture common among the European elite of the period. Hodges captures the sitter in a seated pose, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a composed expression.

The subject wears a dark, structured gown, which contrasts with the soft, draped fabric of the green curtain positioned behind her. A pink shawl or wrap rests across her lap, providing a subtle colour balance to the composition. Her hair is styled in the elaborate, curled fashion popular in the 1830s, framing her face. A delicate chain necklace rests against her skin, adding a refined detail to the attire.

Hodges employs a controlled technique, focusing on the textures of the fabric and the soft rendering of the sitter's features. The lighting is directed to illuminate the face and upper torso, while the background remains in shadow, save for a glimpse of an outdoor scene visible near the column. This approach directs the viewer's attention to the subject, maintaining a sense of decorum and status. The painting is characteristic of the artist's ability to balance formal requirements with a realistic depiction of his subjects. It remains a clear example of the portraiture style that defined the social circles in which Hodges operated, documenting the appearance and fashion of the era with precision and technical skill.