A lovely late Victorian to early Edwardian portrait of a lady, hand painted and housed in the original locket style frame and also the original presentation case which opens to become an easel-like display. The woman looks to be somewhere in her early adulthood, so perhaps a bride's image painted for her groom. There's a beautiful c.1860-80s pearl and gold large brooch at throat of her lace collar and drop earrings to match. We have a set of Victorian jewelry almost identical to this set. Popular in that time. A charming addition to any collection, and wonderful for added decor in a doll house display, too.
Very good to excellent for age and type. The only flaw I can see to note on this one is a very slight grunge around outer perimeter of the painting, under the glass, and a spot lower left (her bodice) that looks to have been touched up at some time. Perhaps a signature has been covered at that spot, as it seems one this fine would have been signed. She's beautifully depicted and in such tiny work I am always amazed at the personality and detail the miniaturists were able to capture. That face is less than 1" chin to top of head. The frame has cover glass and is complete and undamaged. Pinchbeck would be my guess. Can be worn as a large pendant on a velvet ribbon, or displayed in the leather case with silk velvet interior - you'll decide. Beautiful old set we acquired in France many years ago. Measurements noted directly on the photos. But the oval of the portrait in frame is 3" x 3.5" plus the bale up top.
