Buying antiques out of Russia is problematic. I have a grouping of 3 from a family, sold out of Ukraine, that span nearly a century. This is the first, and the earliest of those (offering/selling separate). In her time, it was known as a Cossack Republic, though boundaries moved and changed. The Ottoman Empire, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Austria-Hungary and in her time, Russia, all claimed and covered the Ukraine over time. I do not have a name for this woman, but her style of clothing, hair, and the actual date written at the signature, all place her c.1839. Her small oval brass frame, original slightly convex cover glass are original to that date. The larger oval wooden frame and silk velvet mat are a much later, possibly c.1900, modification, and matches the other portraits from the same estate. I can't link them as family, but it seems possible they were. Still, we'll offer them separately. Measurements are noted on the photos. Gorgeous painting of a truly beautiful and stylish woman. We have the artist's signature but nothing further to identify her. A large cross on a long chain of what looks like Baltic Amber beads, perhaps. And the news of a new young Queen Victoria's coronation just within 2 years before, in c.1837. A world of change in which her life would play out, and her sweet smile and warm brown eyes ready to take it all on.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. A stunning picture of fashion in her time, c.1839, note that her very elaborate hair style parts into 3 sections, height of fashion in her time. A little flaking of the paint just there, notable. I did take the newer frame back off and was able to access the original oval painting, photos show it and mount. Stunning fine portrait for the small size, one might well find an important artist and more history for this young woman with more research. Please don't ask me to read the signature. It could go a number of ways. I've enlarged it for you if you wish to research further. She was kept in an estate in Ukraine, from which I purchased her and 2 others, all being offered separately. Perhaps related, or perhaps just related through a particular collector's manner of preserving and showing them. The larger newer old frame is wood, hand carved, and there were a couple of very old woodworm holes. Silk backing, very nicely done. These would be fabulous wall art for a Bru or other antique doll's house. In this offering, just the c. 1839 portrait miniature is offered.
