A fine pencil and watercolor portrait on card, signed "Camaret 1841". I've found other sketch portraits I'm certain are the same artist, and those are signed "F. Camaret" and years 1841, give or take a few so I'm relatively certain of 1 of 2 possibilities. The little paintings, portraits, are either the work of F. Camaret, about whom I can find no information, or perhaps they are souvenirs of Camaret-sur-Mer, a beach or harbor Ville in northwest France, and the artist simply noted that with the date. In 1841, France was again with King. Louis-Philippe was, however, known as French Roi Citoyen (king with support from the upper bourgeoisie). So as industrialization was lifting incomes and rise of leaders of society from outside the blood-nobility, the last King (of any time period longer than a few days) found his authoritarian 'regime' was overthrown in 1848, in the February Revolution. But, throughout his reign, people like this young man were rising in society and found themselves with money and leisure enough to visit such resorts as Camaret-sur-Mer in larger numbers than any time previous. For these reasons, this one marks a point in time. Some 180 years ago, his likeness captured most likely by a 'tourist' artist.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. The frame is superb! A heavy dore bronze casting with elaborate ribbon and bow top and garland, and the unique arched top, as well. A gadroon border, hanging loop, and the very point in time the French were just beginning to talk and to see the first photography. Metal tab-back frames used formerly for portrait miniatures also saw a huge transition about this time, to accommodate the very fragile surface of Daguerreotypes, the frames made with sealed backs and really meant to keep anyone from accessing the images. But I digress. This frame and this little painting are each flawless. A flat cover glass seems to be the original, as well. Backing is a moire silk and a little residue of paper stickers from long ago can be seen. Full measurements noted on the photos.
