Just impossible! This portrait miniature, in all the fine detail of his face, measures only 3/8" from chin to his hat. Yet just look at the unbelievable detail this artist has achieved in his portrait miniature. The artist has signed the work, "A. Lugot." if I'm reading it correctly. I can tell you I have never seen a finer nor smaller face on any portrait miniature, in my own collections or in museum collections I've long studied. I do not know the subject's name or rank, but I believe he is from the Napoleon III era (c.1850-70) and that his white Maltese cross medal is the French Medal of Valor. Surely someone will know his identity. There is a wonderful Military Museum just flanking the D'Orsay in Paris, into whose collection this one would fold so beautifully. Surely they could identify him, as well. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, with a little age showing on the beautiful hardwood frame, and a slight 'dustiness' feel to the lower 1/3 of the painting, which seems to suit it well. I'm uncertain if that is as it was originally created, as it Is not dust. The artist's signature is not simple to read, but I've shown it for you, greatly enlarged. Magnificent face on this tiny painting, and remarkably distinguished look on that 3/8" face, in his dress uniform and bi-corn hat.
