Portrait miniatures of children are quite rare to find, and this one is one of the most charming I've ever found. A hint of a smile, those huge blue eyes, a little girl with excitement in her face - a face that is just 1/2" from chin to hairline. Incredibly sweet, she came from an estate out of Russia, and the unusual machined frame and the estate lot with several children might be either Russian, or more likely Prussian, and if pressed, I'd say Austria, and related to Habsburg Dynasty The inclusion of several images, one of them quite certainly of the son on Napoleon, who lived out his ill-fated life at his Grandmother's palace, Schonbrunn, just on the outskirts of Vienna. For the most part, our portrait miniatures are from French estates, and more typical of one another in fashion and frame. A fine portrait, it is unsigned and undamaged. So tiny, both the girl and her portrait. Obviously well treasured these 220 or so years. Could certainly be worn on a chain or ribbon as a pendant, it is small enough.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. Still perfectly protected beneath the original slightly convex cover glass, there are no chips, no hairlines, no warp and no damage to disclose. The pale palette used by the artist also seems to capture early childhood so well. I would say this child (girl - center parted hair) is between 3 and 4 years old. Isn't she the sweetest ever! I've greatly enlarged this tiny one. Remember that sweet face is only 1/2" from chin to hairline. Incredible!
