French Revolutionary Portrait Miniature Brooch, c.1790–1795
Incroyable Fashion, Hairwork Locket, 10k Gold and 16k pin.
French late 18th century portrait miniature of a gentleman wearing the dramatic thick “guillotine” cravat of the "Incroyables et Merveilleuses" (incredibles and marvelous) fashion movement, which suggests a head having been severed. This interesting fashion movement of the youth dates to circa 1790–95. Finely painted with soft blue-grey ground and beautifully modeled features. In a hinged locket ontaining a long lock of hair over a sepia drawing of a funerary urn and tomb with serpent motif and monogram — classic Revolutionary-era mourning symbolism.
The miniature remains undamaged. There is a visible scratch to the convex front cover glass only, marked with red 'x' on photos, casts a shadow in certain angle of light, but could be polished out. The painting is not cracked, nor damaged. Hinged locket reverse with glazed compartment.
Oval brooch: 55 mm x 45 mm x 5 mm (plus pin)
Weight: 22.58 grams
Two cover glasses (front convex crystal and rear)
Frame tests 10k gold; long pin tests approximately 16k gold
An evocative and wearable survivor of the French Revolutionary period.
(Boxes shown not included.)
