I have so many favorites! This one among them. A hand painted portrait miniature late 1700s to as late as 1810, either sisters or perhaps mother and daughter, holding each other and a written sheet music. Looking like Revolutionaries, really, it might well be even earlier, perhaps just ahead of the 1779 Revolution in France. At first I thought they were just children, but if so, teenagers or young women. The measurements are noted on the photos, and it's always thrilling to see the personality and detail the miniaturist artists were capable of. A feeling given by this one - blue tints overall, the music, the love and affection of family or friends. Evocative of "Les Miserables", really.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. There are no flaws to the painting, gouache on thin natural wafer. Framed in a rather unique deep lathe-turned wood frame that is also in very fine condition for age. A brass mat and the original slightly convex cover glass have protected it 200-250 years now. Such a superb piece. Can anyone make out the music written on their paper? Let me know, if so.
