Pre-Revolutionary portrait miniature of a courtier, Louis XVI era, this miniature is painted in gouache on thin natural wafer and framed in wood with a brass mat and slightly convex cover glass. Nicely preserved, though the frame shows a great deal of its age. A pretty woman, blue eyes glow with confidence of her station in life. She wears a low bodice gown with bow and bodicer, pearls and drop earrings to match. I do not see a signature. It is possible it is actually slightly after The Terror, as she does drape herself with a red shawl, often seen as a portrait statement of support and memorial for those who were beheaded. Turbulant time in France.
Very good to excellent on the portrait miniature, and the frame might rank only "good" for age and type. It has surface issues, varnish and lacquer seem to be disrupted. It is, after all, more than 250 years in age. Convex cover glass is also excellent, no damage to it or the painting beneath. Some would remove the mat from the old original frame to display her, but we prefer the "all original" item, contextual. Our buyer can make a decision as to the frame. She will display beautifully with just her brass mat and cover glass, of course. Measurements noted on our photos.
