Perhaps not typically what you'd consider a portrait miniature, but this presentation and the gouache portrait will appeal to the collector of same. The handsome and stern young solder stiffens for his portrait in crisply pressed uniform, epaulettes and buttons as perfect as his hair. The frame and dore bronze mat are each made in the typical forms for miniatures of their time, but up-sized to 9.5" x 7.5" outer measurement, and the painting is 6 2/8" x 4 7/8" oval, this one on thick paper or card rather than the usual thin wafer. Interestingly, it appears there were once wax seals on the back (pictured) which have been pulled off leaving only a little residue. I have no idea what that might mean. If anyone out there can tell me more about my soldier, please email. Thanks.
Very good to excellent for age and type. I believe he is a Napoleon III era soldier, c.1850-70, but not being expert in uniforms, I might not have that correct. Both painting and frame are superb and the only flaw I can find is a 1" long hairline in the veneer of the frame, rising from about the 7 o'clock position bottom left (see images). Wonderful old frame shows more of its age on backside. The original cover glass is flat, old, shows ripples and a bubble - 'laid' glass.
