We can tell much about this woman from the portrait she left behind. She mourns someone who met the guillotine in The Terror. That red sash you see represents the blood spilled, and her haircut is called a "Titus", and was closely shorn as were those who lost their heads to the guillotine. A black early Empire gown suggests the painting was done c.1800, give or take 5 years. The woman was, likely, living in exile and is a Royalist or from a family of people who supported Royals. Many lived in England after the French Revolution period, returning only after Napoleon's demise and the short return of Royal lines. We do not know her name. We don't know her artist. Measurements are 5 1/8" x 4 5/8" outer frame; painting is 2 5/8" x 2 1/4" and her face is 5/8", chin to hairline.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. The frame she is in has been upholstered in fabric to replace what was originally on it, or perhaps it was simple finished wood, but it is original to the mounted painting. The covered easel backing is an added feature which would not have been original. Her convex cover glass is original and overall, all in very fine condition.
