Dated c.1837 and signed by the artist, "Andrieux", and further notations that on 8, January, 1914 the miniature was purchased at Chateau Touglas (?) for 30 francs by Rene Maurice. I am unable to find the artist, which is perplexing because the quality of the painting is quite magnificent. Typically, if signed as this is, visible when in frame, it is because the artist was well-esteemed in his/her own time. The works fascinate me - to be able to fill your screen with the face of this man, when it's painted in only 7/8" from his chin to his actual hairline, is nothing short of remarkable. To have captured the self-dignifying raise of an eyebrow and pout of his lips, shading of colors in his bold eyes, and the luxuriant 'feel' of his paisley silk velvet vest and gold buttons - wisps of his hair. The epitome of a Nobleman of the Louis-Philippe era, France. Even the mentions of a collector having bought it early in WWI brings a fascinating story. Someone will take on the research. Full measurements are noted on our photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Coming soon to 200 years, the painting has lost none of its charm nor paint, and there are no chips nor hairlines or cracks. Protected these centuries beneath the original sightly convex and highly polished original cover glass and in frame, I can only report some age to the typical period wood frame. Glass is clean inside and out and he is larger than many portrait miniatures, shows beautifully on easel or wall-hung.
