A c.1785-1800 French portrait miniature of a child of perhaps 7-11 years of age - a girl with a sad face and close-cropped hair sometimes identified as a Guillotine or Titan haircut, a fashion protest of the Reign of Terror, and signifying the lost French Royals and Royalists who's fate was the guillotine. Napoleon would have been in power, and while she looks rather simple, not the least royal, the fact of an 18k gold frame and mount makes certain her links to wealth, many of whom remained Royalists on through the French Empire and to the Restoration of Royalty to the thrones of France. Measurements noted on the photos.
Very good condition for age and type, the 'circlage', or outer frame of the locket is both marked and tested at 18k gold. The original convex cover glass in front is intact and has preserved the little girl's portrait perfectly, but the matching cover glass for the back of the locket-style frame has been lost to time, as well any portrait that was once there, or perhaps lock of hair kept within. I have not opened this one. I see no signature. The outer frame and stem and bale are all in fine condition. Pendant or hang, she's superb!
