This charming miniature painting dates to French Revolution, and identification information on back tells us "Miniature painted from the French Revolution period around 1790. Elisabeth le Peletier d'Aulnay Countess of Myre is with her little brother Félix le Pelletier d'Aulnay (1782-1855) who's spouse in 1806 is Jeanne Antoinette Josephine de Chaumont (born Galaisiere). parents of: Charlotte Josephine Honorine 1812-1880 who married Armand Bon Seguier". Young Felix will grow up to mark the history of France by becoming Prefect of the Empire, Councilor of State and Vice President of the Chamber in 1842. This miniature is painted during the French Revolution, it is no coincidence that the tricolor colors dominate in this painting. We want to avoid the guillotine. I have not opened this miniature or taken it from its sealed frame. Three is no visible signature of the artist, but sometimes when removed from mount, artist's signature is at the very outer edge of the painting. Convex cover glass is clean, no reason to open it up. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, more than 240 years since this one was painted. An older sister in seated profile and young Felix in frontal pose, eating cherries from a bowl. Beautifully preserved, mounted into a typical plank of burled wood, there is a lathe-turned mounting guard or mat of horn or tortoise shell (untested) which has one hairline but is totally set and stable. Likely cracked when someone has dismounted the painting from frame to clean the cover glass. Backing has a self-easel as shown, and also a hanging loop. No chips nor hairlines nor cracks to the wafer, or to the wood frame. Superb piece!
