Isn't she gorgeous! And rather unique to see a cloudy blue sky background, really. Her low sheer bodice gown is the casual Napoleon 1 Era French Empire fashion, as is her short 'guillotine' haircut. Brides and Mistresses seductive pose with breasts peeking through is delicately treated in this one, and she is elegant and sophisticated, at once. Violet blue eyes and dark brunette hair, she is a natural beauty. Alas, we know nothing of whom she was. The frame and mat and gouache painting on thin wafer are c.1810, give or take 5 years. Original cover glass is in place and has protected the wafer and painting perfectly as you can see. Delicate and just stunning, she remains to thrill the collector over 200 years later. The very adept artist has not signed the work, sadly.
The outer frame is 4.75" x 4" and portrait is 2.75" x 2" oval. No warp, no chips nor losses to the painting at all. Cover glass is original and fully intact, and the frame has one very small flaw on edge left of her top of head, but nothing else. The bright brass alloy Matt is brilliant and frames her beautifully. I might add, these are just so elegant in doll's houses, as ancestors for your Bru or other antique dolls.
