Isn't she a darling girl! Probably about 7-8 years old, a child of Napoleon's Empire days and era, and dates to c.1800-1815. A short guillotine haircut and holding flowers in her left hand, the symbolism helps us understand she is a Royalist and perhaps did have a relative who was lost to the French Revolutionary "The Terror" period when so many were lost to the guillotine and public fervor for change. If I could tell you the flower, we would know for certain what political statement this darling young child is making. As it is, her beautiful face and soulful eyes are just an enchanting moment in time, more than 200 years gone by. She is mounted under the original convex cover glass, in a 12k half mount which seems to me would have had an insert backing similarly made. I think we see only the top half of her original mount. The portrait is original to this frame, a perfect fit, and lacks the secure backing of this type of old miniature mounting. Does not hurt her display at all, and 4 tiny holes at perimeter allow a thread closure of the backing, to hold her in. I'll replace the tattered silk thread with strong and new for our buyer.
Very good to excellent condition considering age and type. She is painted on thin wafer by an incredible artist who has not signed the tiny work of art. No damage at all to the parts which remain. A face this perfect as we enlarge her is quite incredible, considering the artist's portrait of her measures just 1/2", chin to top of her head. Look at those eyes! Such a darling girl. Other measurements are noted on the photos. Yes, Paris, and a collector's estate disbursal, anonymous as the girl and her artist.
