Rare and magnificent collection of related women, c.1800-1820, beautifully painted, perhaps by various artists (one seems to be signed) and pulled together is a specially made 15.3" long and 7" tall dore bronze hinged frame with original wood mat, convex cover glass, backing - all original. French Empire ladies, one can't necessarily say they're visibly related, but in some way they must have been. Empire gowns on 3, and the interesting open casual bodice/gown to far left. It's tempting to say it's some man's mistress, wife, sister and daughter, left to right. Perhaps it is. Dedications of love in the intimate portrait far left, and a dove at far right in the youngest girls grasp hints at love but also virginity. Elegantly adorned woman 2nd from left is stunning with her jewelry and tiara, and the slight slump of the more homely young woman right of center tells us a bit about her, as well. No IDs, sadly. The frame alone is a fine valuable antique, but with 4 paintings, a magnificent part of my collections, being disbursed. All measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the set is over 200 years old now. The only flaw can be seen as a surface abrasion or loss of pint on the 3rd painting, slight warp to that wafer, as well, though not really noticeable unless one takes it all apart which I did to clean the interior of all cover glasses. The piece is entirely original from convex cover glass to silk woven fabric backing. Hinged at center, one can angle to display standing on tabletop, or easily hang the frame flat to the wall. RARE spectacular item!
