Dated and signed in 1859, this charming painting of a blond and blue-eyed child is accomplished in watercolor (aquarelle) or gouache on card/paper, and is housed under glass in a superb 19th century (original) dore bronze wreathe top frame. The child is about 4-5 years of age, and it's impossible to tell if its a boy or a girl, really. At that age and that era, both were left to grow long hair and while girls' hair was parted in the center and boys' parted on the side, this painting does not give us that clue. Typical baby gown of the era, as well - off shoulder. A darling portrait. There is a tab on back with the name, Toiline, or Torline, or Terline - and the signature on the front with date looks like Mars to me. Fabulous detail which you can see in my enlargements. Measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition on frame and painting, though one sees the artist's slight worrying of the watercolor. The child is protected under flat glass or I'd wonder if perhaps the slight disruption might have been tears. A truly charming painting, this.
