The very early portrait miniatures are all tinier in size, from my own experience, and this one is early and exceptional for the incredibly fine detail the artist has put into it. The gentleman's face is 1/2", chin to hairline. Yet look how fine the portrait is even blown up to your full screen. Gradations in colorations of face give him a 5 o'clock shadow against his pink cheeks. From styles of hair and uniform, it's easy to put him in place c.1740s, in the reign of French King Louis XV. But we have no id and no artist signature to tell us more. The bronze gem frame has working easel stand and original woven silk backing in place. I did not take him out of frames photos are taken through the cover glass, some glare/distortion is likely.
Very good to excellent for age and type, over 270 years since this man lived his life, is he a soldier? Costume and uniform experts, please email if you recognize. We are greatly appreciative for the shared expertise among the antiques community. The little frame is perfect, a bit of age to the patina, of course. Looks like it once had a hanging loop (bale still there) so you could easily add a string for wall hanging display, or use easel-back. Full measurements are noted on our photos.
