"Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, Count of Mirabeau (9 March 1749 – 2 April 1791) was a leader of the early stages of the French Revolution. A noble, he had been involved in numerous scandals before the start of the Revolution in 1789 that had left his reputation in ruins. Nonetheless, he rose to the top of the French political hierarchy in the years 1789–1791 and acquired the reputation of a voice of the people". (Wiki). This painting is of a relatively youthful Honoré-Gabriel Riqueti, count of Mirabeau, and when I bought it, it came exactly as you see, with a tightly folded magazine clipping (back side of which is a 1945 image of British King Edward), and also the prior owner's notation of the 1987 auction at which he acquired it. "Estate of a gentleman" is normally how they're offered, anonymous, so I do not know who owned him since that 1987 auction. Apparently, either the earlier owner or one prior to 1987 clipped the article about Count Mirabeau. The late 1700s portrait is done in grisaille oil paint, or perhaps kiln-fired enamel since that is what the plaque indicates - it is copper and has kiln-fired enamel on backside. A portrait in profile, made to look like a marble bust - he was very popular in his time, but found later to be paid by Louis XVI, which brought his Revolutionary 'leader of the common man' reputation to an end. "Historians are deeply split on whether he was a great leader who almost saved the nation from the Terror, a venal demagogue lacking political or moral values, or a traitor in the pay of the enemy." (Wiki). His story is an interesting one, and this was a contemporary likeness done of him. The plaque mounted to front of a dore brass alloy mount is 14k gold (not gold plating, but a gold plaque). Were I to guess, I think this miniature once was mounted on a snuff box.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, I really see nothing to report as a flaw, unless it is my suspicion of it having once been the top ornament on a snuff box. If so, the box is long gone and at least the painting and 14k gold mount remain. the frame's front plaque has been acid-tested at 14k. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
