You see the similarity in their mustache and goatee, perhaps? Charles de Morny, Swiss born of Napoleon's sister-in-law, Hortense de Beauharnais, issue of an extra-marital affair. He was half-brother to France's first President, Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleon III), and a very interesting figure in his own right. Brother Louis-Napoleon's Presidency (c.1848-52) and then Emperor (c.1852-1870) gave political and business influence opportunities to this brother. His escapades and riches to ruin to riches, some nefarious, make an interesting read. You'll want to learn about this gentleman. Everything from sugar beets, to race horses, to marrying a Russian princess, and interspersed with intrigue, wit and intelligence leading him to opportunistic fraud. He is painted with a slightly folk art feel, likely for a friend or political connection's collection. Nicely framed and dating c.1850-60.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type.The frame is elaborate, wood with gesso appliqué and in very good condition, not much loss at all. The painting, which I did not take out of frame, appears to be gouache on wafer, typical of the era. Heavy solid old wood, the painting aperture is just 3" x 2", in a frame that is 10 1/4" x 9 1/4" and a full 2" in depth. Flat cover glass is in place.
