French Revolutionary Portrait Miniature Brooch, c.1790–1795
Incroyables et Merveilleuses Fashion, Hairwork Locket, 14k Gold and 14k pin.
French late 18th century portrait miniature of a gentleman wearing the dramatic thick “guillotine” cravat of the "Incroyables et Merveilleuses" (incredible males, and marvelous females) fashion movement, for which she is a fine example. This interesting fashion movement of the youth dates to circa 1790–95. Finely painted with soft green-grey ground and beautifully modeled features, low bodice and flowers in her hair and draped across her gown. In a hinged locket which likely once contained a lock of hair under a cover glass which is now lost to time (backside), it is a classic Revolutionary-era portrait of a young beauty.
The miniature remains undamaged. There is no cover glass on the backside of this locket frame brooch, just an old silk covered card. The painting is charming, no chips, not cracked nor damaged. Slide-cased (no hinge) locket, long pin and c-clamp.
Oval brooch: 45 mm x 39 mm x 5 mm (plus pin)
Weight: 13.75 grams
One cover glass (front convex crystal).
Frame tests 14k gold; long pin tests14k gold
An evocative and wearable survivor of the French Revolutionary period.
(Boxes shown not included.)
