This would be, I feel certain, a 19th century souvenir portrait miniature, hand painted after a large painting, made as a souvenir for museum visitors, Victorian to Edwardian era. The story is very French, and the original painting would likely have been mid-late 1700s, and full-sized. Travelers loved souvenirs, much as we all do, and this type of little painting pleased their desires. The story told with the image is about the loss of a girl's virtue. I see it represented in this way, or as a girl with a broken jug nearby - same iconography - something valuable lost forevermore. You see the bird on the table in this one. Sweet little thing, it has an intact cover glass and the artist has left us with a fabulous tiny painting, perfectly protected. All images are taken through the glass, since the back is sealed. The frame is wood, measurements are all noted on the photos. Would date it c. 1870s.
Very good to excellent condition with the only notable flaw being the mostly missing wooden bow top. One could certainly remove the small remainder of it and not be reminded of any imperfection. Will leave that to her next owner.
