A while ago I bought a collection of c.1700s to earliest 1800s portrait miniatures from a Russian estate, and this was one of those. This little boy had a little sister, painted by the same artist and in the same type of incised frame, and she was sold right away. Her brother, here offered, is as delightful, but is not in pristine condition. As you can see, the thin wafer upon which the artist has worked shows very fine hairlines. You don't necessarily see it just in display, but with a sidelong light as we've used for the photos, the lines do show up. The little painting has been sealed (see back) for centuries. I did not open it at all. Perhaps an identity is there, or some notation, but I just don't open sealed miniatures, and wouldn't with this one for fear of it falling apart. I suggest same for his next owner.
Moderate to good condition, as noted above. Great one, rare Russian child, c.1790-1820, but there are fine hairlines across the wafer. Protected, like in this state for a century or more, he remains in the original frame protected by the cover glass, and sealed, still, from backside, as shown. Tiny, that face is just 1/2" from chin to hairline. All measurements noted on the photos.
