Alphonse GIROUX is a top name in 1800s' Paris, for fine frames, boxes, all manner of goods. Located at 7, rue du Coq, St. Honoré, which even now is the row of shops of designers, top-end goods in Paris. GIROUX was the same, and anything with that name was known at finest quality, extra merit. So it is with this matron's pencil portrait, likely done on commission through GIROUX. She counts as a portrait miniature, and I cannot read the French on back in order to try to tell you whom she is/was. The gown and bonnet put her c.1800-1820s, if she was fashionable, which of course anyone shopping GIROUX would have been - and wealthy, society's elite. She is not very pretty, but it is a portrait after all. I will say, her eyes are beautiful, soulful, and a direct connection exists between her and her viewer, and the artist.
Very good condition for age and type, there is a good deal of age, surface dust which makes me think she went without the cover glass for some time, then has been re-glazed and sealed to keep future dust out. It actually gives her a bit of charm and "Old Paris" feel, doesn't it. The frame is wood, ebonized and gilted, and remains in very good form, no breaks no chips. This is one of those things that you look at and wonder if we have a top noted artist here, many from David's circle did do these pencil sketches for society. No signature, sadly. Measurements are noted on our photos.
