"Marie Françoise Villette, veuve (widow) of Guilloteau, (Jacques Philippe), mon aieuel (my ancestor)".
Fine French portrait miniature depicting Marie Françoise Villette, identified on the reverse as the widow of Jacques Philippe Guilloteau (“Veuve de Guilloteau Jacques Philippe, mon aïeul”). The sitter is shown in black dress with white fichu and lace bonnet, reflecting Directoire / early Empire fashion. Latest 1700s to as late as c.1815.
Unsigned. Housed in an old square ebonized frame with gilt inner bezel; the miniature was likely originally mounted in a French snuff box or other personal luxury object. Original handwritten family inscription remains on the reverse.
Miniature diameter: 2 5/8 in.
Frame: 5 3/8 in. square
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Wear and aging consistent with age. Clean painting, no warp nor hairline, crack or loss. Unverified likely gold facing on inner mat, framed in wood wall frame which does show age. An appealing identified French family portrait miniature with strong decorative presence.
