Antique French Portrait Miniature of Félicie Ansart de Fiesnet (1840–1852)
Velvet Framed, Identified Child, c.1840s–50s
Oh… this one has such tenderness. Exactly the kind of small, quiet treasure that stops you in your tracks. A touching mid-19th century French portrait miniature of a young girl identified on the reverse as:
“Félicie Ansart de Fiesnet, 1840–1852 (sœur d’Edmond)”
She lived only twelve years.The finely painted oval miniature measures 1 5/8" x 1 1/4", with the face just 5/8" from chin to hairline — beautifully detailed at this intimate scale. She wears a dark dress with delicate white lace collar and soft pink bow, her hair parted and dressed in ringlets tied with ribbons. The expression is gentle and quietly solemn.
Very good antique condition: Housed in its original gilt metal bezel within a velvet-covered wood frame measuring 3 5/8" tall x 3 1/8" wide x 1/2" deep, with suspension ring intact. The velvet shows expected age wear, is lightly loose around edges, as shown, appropriate and undisturbing. The identifying paper label remains on the reverse.
A lovely and poignant example of French portrait miniature painting — and a rare named child sitter.
