"Mlle de Neuville, dancer of the Opera" the work is signed by the artist, and my quick research hasn't given me much there. But a fabulous painting in miniature, a stunning young woman and dated c.1770. The original written information faded and the more readable copy probably done with more intent within 50-100 years of the painting.
"The year 1750 is the first year with a large amount of financial and statistical data archived for the Paris Opera following the transfer of its management from the Royal Household and its entrepreneurs to the City of Paris. The city hoped for a bright operatic future. As is shown here it started with small loss." The year 1750 is the first year a large amount of financial and statistical data archived for the Paris Opera following the transfer of its management from the Royal House and its entrepreneurs to the City of Paris. Interesting research to be had of comings and goings. Berthelin de Neuville and de la Porte have vital roles as chief accountants. It might be assumed that this young beauty, whose portrait notes she was a dancer at the Opera, was the daughter or perhaps young wife of Berthelin. Ultimately returned to the Royal House in 1780, with terror in the streets and the demise of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette on the horizons and Revolution in the air.
Very good to excellent condition. In the final image, you see a typical black wooden French frame along with the painting in its mat. That frame will go with this painting, but it is cracked and I've displayed the painting just as the oval you see in most images. You may decide how to keep her, but the frame does belong to her and will attend her to the next owner. This painting is superb - truly exquisite. A popular portrait manner in the era, she's set against a landscape. That beautiful face, expressive eyes and brows - all captured in a face that is 5/8" from chin to hairline. The oval mat is 2 3/4" x 2 1/4", and the original convex cover glass, painting, and etc. all survive without notable flaw other than a minuscule nick to outer edge of the wafer, at about the 5 o'clock position which disappears completely within the mat.
