Such a charming image, this little girl at about age 4-7, dressed in her white Empire-waisted dress with crocheted edging, and wearing what is likely her first necklace. Red coral has long been thought to be a talisman for safety and protection, particularly for young girls. Legend has it the red coral is the frozen or solidified blood that fell from Medusa's severed neck, and with particularly properties, as mentioned, so finding this little girl with her protective red coral and coral pendant in shape of a heart is thrilling. Artist signed, but no information on who that artist is, nor the girl's identity. I found her in France.
Very good to excellent condition apart from a tiny original flaw, a small smudge of paint to right of the girl's head. The painting is in gouache on thin wafer, no warp or damage. Signed by the artist at about the 7 o'clock position, perhaps "Mouton _ _ _ _ " unreadable in part. We know from fashion this dates c.1810-20. Very nicely preserved in original frame which is excellent for age.
