I bought this just like it is, in France. It's a watercolor on handmade 100% cotton rag paper, later backed by a card panel. My sense of it is it was set at one time atop a marvelous 18th century snuff box, protected beneath a convex cover glass. It's been protected long now in archival tissue, while I decided whether to have it custom matted and framed, or just to enjoy among my collection of miniature portraits, snuff boxes, and fine art. So here it remains. It might well be earlier than 1700s, but not later than about c.1750s and the French Romantic era. It would have been a token of love, and I just wish it remained atop the original snuff or patch box. Alas, here it is moving forward to its next owner - is it you? Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, this c.1700s miniature watercolor or gouache painting is an artist's original. The painting done on 100% cotton rag paper, hand-laid, and later backed by a thicker card. One roughness to an edge to the right of putti far right. The painting remains exquisitely compelling and lovely. Her face is only 3/8", chin to hairline, and even less on the putti/Cupid. Superb landscape, as well.
