A French Revolution era group portrait, man and 2 women, likely his family members, c.1770s. A point in time when French Royalists were being guillotined or exiling themselves and their Noble families to avoid the violence. King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette met the angry crowds and the guillotine blade, and in that era it was a time when people's portraits took on a more political declaration iconography. One could quickly see (and prove) their alliance either to the Royals, or to the populace uprising by showing certain flowers. If you visit the Museum of the History of France, (Marais, Paris), you'll see an entire room display of miniature portraits, a majority of them declaring their stance by the flowers shown. This family, Nobles, hold the rose to prove allegiance to the rule of Kings, and their support of Louis XVI and M-A. On the backside there are notations perhaps helping to identify this gentleman, though parts have been torn away. Once heads started to role, literally, some would at least eliminate their name/idenifying info. I see no artist signature. Charming and importrant miniature painting, those faces are just 3/8" from chin to hairline. All measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Painted 250 or so years ago, amid intense tumult in French history. Paintings in miniature showing several people or a whole family are also rare. There are no losses, no hairlines, warp, chips or paint loss on the 2 7/8" diameter painting. Well protected in original wood frame with original convex cover glass. I did not investigate identity clues on back, and you'll enjoy doing that, I'm sure. Yes, found in France.
