A superb portrait of a beautiful little girl with soulful brown eyes and cropped brunette hair, still in her original c.1890-1920 pressed brass easel frame. Larger than most, and later than the vast majority of portrait miniatures, more to Belle Epoch and the luxury of having her portrait done. Confident and poised, the painting is just charming. The artist, who has not signed the work, has a remarkable way of showing a sheer teal mesh over the girl's gown skirt - I feel certain it is intentionally soaked up to give shading and light to it, and the feeling of diaphanous sheer. Her face is 7/8", chin to hairline - and such a fine work of art. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent for age and type, though you can see there is a bit of restoration to the very top of her portrait's natural wafer. nicely matched in overpainting, it isn't much noticeable but is visible as she rests in her frame. No warp or hairlines to the wafer, and the work is in watercolor and gouache. The frame is original, based on the perfect fit of the wafer into the recess of the back of frame, which fits into the front like a sleeve. A residue of tape visible on back, which I have not bothered to work at removing, since I've displayed her with easel stand in a cabinet. Lots of photos for your review. It's amazing to me that these tiny paintings hold together so well when so greatly enlarged. What an art these miniaturists create.
