I've never quite figured out if that's a hat she's hold, or a Tamborine like dumb, but it has the feel of a dancer in motion, he clothing swaying and her hand drumming a beat. So much movement, it's quite unique for portrait miniatures, and I wish I had more of an idea of her origin. It's a tremendously appealing painting, just 2 3/4" in diameter, in frame. I've photographed her in and out of her frame, and there is nothing to tell us her identity nor a reference to artist. Whimsical, almost a sketch, and yet conveys motion so beautifully, doesn't it. I can date her somewhere between c.1750 to earliest 1800s. Perhaps having to do with events leading up to the French Revolution or not long afterward.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, our photos show her well. Slightly convex cover glass still holds her wafer flat and well. Old vellum and paper backing in place. Measurements noted on photos. That face is less than 3/8" in height on this unique 3/4 motion-filled painting. Gouache on wafer. I found her in France but I am unsure of original source.
