A superb miniature painting of the interior of a stable, wherein a young woman has lost her virtue. The scene is an allegorically rich one, told throughout time and this one is done in the French Romanticism style most popular in the 1700s works of Boucher, Fragonard, Watteau and a few other notables whose work you'll find in the Louvre and other museums. This might be a miniature "apres" or after the large museum work by one of those though I don't immediately recognize it. But with the broken jug at the front/center of the aperture, and the pair of wings tucked into a basket on the shelf next to that curtained bedside, we have hints of a story immemorial. The lost virginity of a maiden - never to be undone. There's something about this one that makes me think of the story of Suzanne and the Elders, since these men are both clothed in full. The environment of stable and added cow and donkey are just more fun to the wonderfully crafted little painting. This is not a print - this is a hand painted miniature, gouache on thin panel, and typical of the c.1800-1830 era from which it comes to us.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. This one hasn't a single flaw to note, is in fine condition with original slightly convex cover glass and frame both also very good for age and type. No chips, cracks, no loss of paint. I have taken it out of frame to scan the painting enlarged for your inspection, but keep in mind it is only 3" x 2.5" oval - amazing, no? We love the old portrait miniatures and miniature paintings, and know other collectors do, as well as do doll collectors. These are fabulous for wall decoration in doll house displays. Of course you must have a VERY artistically astute and spoiled doll to collect these for her. (smile).
