What a spectacular era this young man represents and brings forth to us. He is one of the likely 'idle rich' young aristocratic generation who participated in the c.1795-99 high political fashion statement known as the Incroyables et Merveilleuses (incredibles and marvelous). Their fashion: bright colors, outlandish exaggerated patterns and cropped pants and jackets, huge collars and embroidered vests, dog-ear hair cuts or some guillotine cuts for women (short cropped back, curls swept forward, as if shorn for and hanging down for guillotine's blade). One last requisite item was, of course, the greatly exaggerated thick cravat which you see here - significant as if holding a severed head reattached to the body. The protest: they strolled Paris in rowdy groups, had they portraits painted for one another, generally acting in ways to draw attention to themselves, ostensibly protesting the cruelty of the beheading of their relatives and leaders. A Royalist group, many had families in exile. Such an interesting movement in French history! This young man has the added distinction of bright red hair, natural or dyed, one can't know. RARE to find! The Incroyables are among my favorite in a lifetime of collecting these tiny works of fine art. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. These were children of the Nobility, and their portraits were usually by the best portraitists, often in 18k gold frames or gold fronted mats as you see here. Sometimes jewelry mounts. While this painting has a light overall palette, it is fabulous in its realism, and what you see behind him is a forest, or outdoor setting, also a popular feature of the Incroyables portraits. He is one of my favorites. No flaws notable. The painting is just 2" in diameter, and his face just 5/8", chin to hairline. That red hair! Frivolous youth, deadly revolution - dangerous protests in the streets of c.1795-99 Paris.
