A superb portrait miniature done in pastels, pen and ink, and housed in a frame and case of leather, this is a profile study of an Edwardian to late Victorian woman. Her gown and lace collar, sleeves, and the ribbon worn in her hair all put her right into fashions of that era. She looks like she could have walked off the set of Downton Abbey, doesn't she, perhaps as late as 1910, but more likely earlier. We've shown you the painting in scan to show what a lovely thing it truly is. She's painted on card, I believe, though we haven't tested it. Looks like card to me. The cover glass is slightly convex, original and in fine condition. The locket-style frame is, quite likely, a gold plated one and shows beautifully. Nested in a fitting perfectly right for it, we know it is housed in the original presentation case. Case is leather with gold embossment, an easel back so the portrait can be displayed open. Closes for travel. Perhaps a young bride's portrait to send along with her young husband, a man traveling with business. Genteel, likely English though nothing but her features to claim that. The artist has not signed the work, but has captured her beauty; full lips, blue eyes and chestnut hair and her pink cheeks so well.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. Case shows some age but hasn't any deterioration. A polish with brown shoe polish would make it seem practically new. Silk satin interior with a fitted pad of silk velvet to show off the gold plated frame with its generous bale. The cover glass is fully intact, too. No chips, no hairlines, and is the old convex original. Measurements are noted on our photos.
