I have no idea whose mantel this beautiful couple's portrait miniatures graced from about c.1820 forward, but they've been on one of mine most recently. A handsome gentleman, blond and blue-eyed and in elegant clothing which includes a fur-collar overcoat and a cut velvet vest. His wife's portrait is slightly smaller and mounted above him in this opulent frame. She has fascinated me with her gown which seems to be accented with good-sized pearls in clusters. The jewelry she wears is of interest, as well. The frame is, on its own, a valuable antique. Displays the couple so well. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, 200 years old now, give or take 10 years, the frame shows age in the loss of some silk nap of the velvet covering it. It's actually nicer on backside, which must have been turned away from light. Heavy old beauty, the frame has a nicely crafted and hinged easel stand in back. The portraits are undamaged, but as you look at them you see some dust under the glass. I initially thought the frames might lift out of the large mount if I removed the small nails holding it in place, but in fact it appears that would not work. The backing seems permanently affixed, so I gave up trying to pull the paintings from frame and to clean the inner glass. You might understand more fully how to access it. I will say, the paintings are gorgeous and the photography lights always show that little inside dust more than your eye in natural light will notice it. It's a wonderful size to group and display with a collection of various portrait miniatures!
