"The Caller", a Painting by Otto Leyde
Otto Theodore Leyde (1835 - 1897) was born in Prussia, but settlerd in Edinburgh in 1854 where he worked as a lithographic artist. The Dictionary of Scottish Painters (Halsby & Harris) comments on his "well-drawn figures", and I think this small wash painting is a fine example. Leyde was attracted to interior scenes in rural dwellings, as can be seen in the painting titled "Auld Robin Gray" which is now in the Royal Scottish Academy collection.
"The Caller" is an altogether more sketchy work, but the two figures contrast intriguingly. The female is depicted with a gentle delicacy, while her visitor looks almost to be shouting at her. Is he an unwelcome guest?