An interesting historical grouping of some brothers and a sister, family: Crokat, of Scotland, beautifully crafted in later 1700s, except the soldier in red which was painted early 1800s. The brother bottom center is painted before he fought Napoleon's armies, and well before he served as officer overseeing troops at Elba, guarding Napoleon. He was in attendance when Napoleon died, and is noted in history as having been there and also taken some small souvenirs as he departed the Island to report the event. Immortalized in a famous painting of the Death of Napoleon by Charles Stueben in 1825-30, an image of which I've included in our information. Also included is a history document. Each of these elegant portraits are of full value even without the important historic value, but should be most welcome to a Napoleon collector or museum. The 4 framed miniatures are mounted in fitted recess within a large frame, blue velvet backing each one. The outer heavy wood frame is black or nearly so. The family's handwritten IDs of each family member are attached on back, as shown. Spectacular grouping! Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, preserved carefully and with an eye to the historical value. One can see that the 3 siblings center and left have been painted by an exceptional portrait miniaturist. I have not taken this apart to open and see if any show artist's signature, however. The brother in red uniform, right, was painted some good time later and by another artist. Each one remarkably unscathed by time, no chips, hairlines, cracks, damage. Fabulous group and such interesting historic value!
