Dated by the artist, Fev (February).1821, and signed by the woman artist, D ve Camô. (Veuve Camô for Madame Martner ( born Paris 1781- died Nancy 1839). Veuve means widow. Still showing the Empire fashion of a few years earlier, I think this woman's evolved fashion which, from my experience, pushes her portrait to 1820s, beyond the time of Napoleon and into the era known as the Bourbon Restauration or Restoration (c.1814-1830. Beautiful with her cupid bow mouth and her big expressive blue eyes and dark blond hair, she is elegantly gowned and wrapped in a red cashmere (Kasimir) shawl. A bit late for the political statement of the red sash or shawl, but with the Bourbon royal restoration at hand, might still be that declaration of her relationship to Royals and more specifically to her own lost loved ones who fell to the guillotine during The Terror, French Revolution. Beautiful gown, and a double buckle at her bodice which is like those we collect from the old Palais Royal. Measurements noted on photos.
Very good to excellent throughout, age and type considered. We don't often have a miniature portrait signed by a woman. Madame Martner, a widow, is our artist, and it is likely she supported her family with her excellent art work. Painted in 1821, this young widow would only have been 30 at the time she painted this one. That she signed it at all is indication of her elevated status as a portrait miniaturist in her time. Most artists did not sign their works. No damage to the painting on thin wafer, done in gouache. Original frame.
