This is such a splendid portrait miniature, 17th century, possibly even earlier. The painting is in oil on a copper plaque which has an engraving or intaglio image of Psyche and Cupid on the backside, perhaps indicating this little personal painting was of a lover or bride, given to her love with this secret. Charming and very early painting showing clothing style and hair in fashion in the 1600s throughout Europe, particularly Northern Europe, to include northern regions of France. She is saved to an elegant wooden frame a couple of centuries younger, 19th century. Found in France, she's a personal favorite in many decades of collecting these little works of art. I do not see a signature, though I also have never taken her out of his frame, and it is true that sometimes we find a signature along the edge, hidden by frame. Found in France, with a 1 1/8" face. Full measurements noted directly on our photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the intimate little painting in oil on a copper plaque or wafer, and approximately 300+ years old, noting some age to the oil painting, but still very tender and beautiful, shaded and colorful. I see no other flaws to the plaque and am delighted by the fact of it having the secret engraved image of love on the backside. Frame is much newer, mid-1800s, and is in fine condition a very fine milled wood frame with reverse-canted corners in deep milled work. An elegant antique in its own right.
