Instantly recognizable as Queen Louise of Prussia (1776-1810), this mid-1800s tourist souvenir portrait, painted in miniature after the full sized original by Gustav Richter (1823-1884). A very popular portrait of her, this painting is often copied as a souvenir, 19th century, and also a painted KPM porcelain by Wagner exists of the same pose, all from the original painting. Ours is hand painted in miniature on a thin wafer, gouache, and housed in a c.1850-60 gutta percha frame which is, itself, a valuable antique. As I've often written about, there are basically 2 types of portrait miniatures, the more important being individual one of a kind paintings of living individuals in their time. The second are these little paintings done for Grand Tour tourist souvenir trade. Interestingly, this painting is framed in a mat with convex cover glass, then is further framed within the old gutta percha frame (visible in our images). You will want to learn more about Queen Louis of Prussia, and why she might well be the most copied historical figure next to perhaps Kings of France or Napoleon.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Painting dates early Victorian era, gutta percha frame dates c.1850-60. Each hold value on their own. No notable flaws to report. Measurements noted on the photos. A very fine quality painting in its own right, her face is just 5/8", chin to hairline. Granted, most of these souvenir copies take gracious liberty in making Queen Louise more beautiful than she was.
