Superb portrait miniature, "Incroyables et Merveilleuses" - the slightly smug face of a spoiled rich fashionable Parisian making political statement. An exquisite but unsigned French portrait miniature, handsome gray topper wig, dog-ears fashion which along with the massive cravat and jaunty giant lapels and embroidered vest, sets him squarely into the "Incroyables", c.1795-1799. this blue-eyed young man who wears an elaborate white cravat with ruffles, and has pearl buttons on his embroidered vest. He might well have been one of the wealthy students at the 1832 student uprising, Paris, barricade of a real-life Les Miserables, but in fact he dates earlier. The portrait is, I am certain, c.1795-1800, the era of the unique fashion/political style. Also certain he is an aristocrat in support of Royalty overthrown and beheaded in The Terror. A fashion celebrating excess, riches, these young people scandalized Paris in the days after the execution of Robespierre. The history is wonderful and must be read. Somewhere between 1796 to 1799 the fashion exuberance faded.
Very good to excellent throughout, the painting is beautifully crafted, definitely a noted artist but unsigned. Housed perfectly beneath the original convex cover glass in a heavy period bow top bronze frame with easel back and hanging loop. The miniature is well-set in frame. That face is just 5/8" from chin to hairline, yet look at the confidence, perhaps even defiance, in his visage. Could be considered fine jewelry, a pendant. A superb museum quality miniature and, true to his economic status, the 14k layer front to his frame. Convex glass is original, and no damage to it nor the painting. I see nothing to report as flaw apart from typical age of patina on frame.
