Many Royalists and elite of France lived in exile for the years after the French Revolution, this beautiful young woman being one. The fine portrait miniature might have been painted by a French artist or an English artist, as it is framed in the manner typical of Georgian to early 1800s England. But iconography tells a story as well as does the frame. That red sash tied and worn around her shoulders is a symbol unmistakable in her time, and is her honor paid to those lost to the guillotine during what in France was known as The Terror, c.1879-85, when far too many heads were lopped off, the blood ran thick and onto the streets. These portraits, not only for the fashion of them, but for their significance in an historic time, are highly sought after. She might have lost a parent, a grandparent, or was simply raised in a Royalist family. Additionally, what a beautiful young woman. Signature and artist's date of 1809 appear on the wafer.
Very good to excellent condition, the painting is excellent, unscathed by 212 years of wars and peace, and remains without warp nor cracks. The frame shows a little damage to the front in 3 places, easily visible. Convex cover glass is in fine condition. Measurements of this larger sized painting and frame are noted on the photos.
