For a time after The Terror, in Revolutionary France, we find portrait miniatures done with political statements build in. Revolutionists often hold a small flower linked to their support of the rebirth of France, and mourning Royalists had portraits done with the slash of blood red around necks, shoulders, signifying their mourning and support and remembrance of those who met their rude end at the guillotine. The 1780s saw many deaths of loyalists and royalists, and it is likely this woman lost members of her family. The front panel of her small slightly out-of-square frame is 12k gold affixed to the brass backing, and could indicate she was a self-exiled French woman living in England, as many were then. Most French gold frames are 18k, instead, and it's quite normal to find 10, 12 or 15k gold out of England. Image tell stories if we just know the language.
Very good to excellent without damage to report, really. The frame is slightly off-square, but was original made that way since the corner joints are very tightly met, not shifted by a jolt. Acid tested frame front panel is 12k gold. Not just foil, it is rather thick as these go. A lace bonnet and the matronly lace bodice/collar which would cover the bodice showing above her French Empire styled dress. I would date it c.1780s-1810s. Very fine!
