A truly gorgeous portrait of a little girl, I'd guesstimate age 7-8, sweet innocence and the off-shoulder child's gown and hair help us date her to c.1820-30s. Her face lights up, hard to show with the photography lighting, but her portrait is backed by an oval of mother of pearl, and the very thin wafer upon which the artist's painting was accomplished allows that shimmer of reflecting light to show through. She's housed under the original slightly convex cover glass, and the heavy dore bronze frame is a superb presentation for her. Looking at the frame from the back, you can see that a separate oval Matt is part of the construction, to fit the size of her demure painting. How do I know it's a girl for certain? Center-parted hair, for one. And by this age, the unisex clothing shifts more to their boy/girl orientation, as well. Our artist has not signed this one, though certainly a fine artist based on the work.
Excellent all the way with this one. I really find absolutely nothing to point out as a flaw or loss, nothing to detract in any way. Well-treasured. Blond and blue-eyed, rare image on numerous fronts. Children's portraits are rare to start. Measurements are noted directly on our photos. The frame is, itself, a valuable antique.
