Height of fashion for early to mid Victorian era, which of course in France was the Napoleon III era (c.1848-70). This stunning fine pair of oil paintings on convex porcelain plaques capture the style of their time as well as superb likeness and expression. Her dress, in the Napoleon III red and black, links directly to the fashion icon, Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III (France's last emperor). The pair, excellently preserved, remain in their original frames. Some with the old silk velvet covers wood frames like these have been removed and get sold framed in only their dore bronze oval mats. Here you have the original items, both easel-backed and hanging loops still fully intact and authentic to the era and art. They are signed by the artist, whose work is superb. I'm having a difficult time being certain I copy it right so will let you. G. Adam? G. Adarn? Full measurements are noted on the photos. The faces are small, just 1" for her and 1 1/4" for him, chin to hairline.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. The old porcelain plaque paintings are rare - many not surviving the centuries well. These are quite outstanding, both in quality and condition. The old mats are dore, high gold finish to them. I did not open the backs of the frames. They don't need me to mess with them when they're so nicely preserved. Perhaps ID or a plaque production impression might give us more clues. I found them in France. The wooden face which is covered in fine old silk velvet has lost some of the nap on that raised oval, or here or there, consistent with advanced age. A superb set! Husband and wife. Please don't ask me to sell them separately. They've been together 170 or more years now. I'm not going to separate them at this late date. Sold only as a pair.
