This elegantly dressed c.1740s French gentleman, in his powdered hair or wig, his fine pale blue embroidered top coat and lace ruffled cravat has the most handsome eyes, face, and a masculine dusting of 5 o'clock shadow to balance those powerful eyes and eyebrows. However in the world an artist can put all of that into a face just 5/8" from chin to hairline is fascinating, isn't it. And perhaps the allure of the portrait miniature. I've collected them for decades, and am still enslaved by them all, these people who lived lives relegated to history and likely obscurity but for this singular image of them. A monogram once made of pulverized hair remains visible on backside, much of the actual hair lost to the years, too. Isn't he just quite amazing, still so well protected within the 12k gold locket with bale, a pendant or to hang. Small and perfectly crafted, evident these 300 years later, Georgian or earlier.
Very good to excellent condition, not the slightest warp to the wafer, and, while I'm seeing a pale narrow line on photos, it is completely invisible to the naked eye, looking at this piece in hand. No chips, no cracks, no hairlines. The gold locket fits into itself smoothly and like a glove. Acid tested, 12k solid, it retains the thin cover glass over his image, but the one on backside must have been broken at some time and has been replaced with a surprisingly convincing oval of clear celluloid. I would never have known but for taking it all apart. Looks perfect. A personal favorite! Jewelry? Sure.
