A splendid work of art in miniature, this dignified gentleman remains unidentified and I don't see a signature, though the work is truly remarkable. The cover glass is thick and convex/oyster, and might well be crystal. It's tough to get a straight-on photo of him without a lot of glares. His head, keep in mind, is actually only 1/2" in height, yet look at the superb detail of his eyes, mouth, the pull of the expanse of belly working against his buttons. I have loved this one long. Time to work through my own collections, plus a difficult/impossible time to be in France in person so another way to keep our shop fresh, new inventory. Measurements are noted on the photos, and the gold has been acid tested at 12k. There are also gold monogram letters floating a bit on backside atop the plaited hair - original state. Memento or mourning, we can't know, but it falls within those collecting realms. I'll continue to try to get a straight-on photo.
Very good to excellent for age and type, to be worn or displayed as pendant or brooch, and each part is complete and very nicely preserved. No chips nor breaks in the very thick 'oyster' type form, glass on each side is thick, highly polished, might be rock crystal (untested). No dents to the gold case. Hair art remains perfect, as well. No damage to the painting, in gouache on super-thin wafer which has rested thus these 240 or so years, treasured. I will hate to see this one go!
