There is much to make me think this young man is a member of the c.1795-99 fashion political group, the Incroyables. A post-Revolutionary protester, Royalist or noble class who dressed in outlandish (in the time) colors and structured high collar waist coats, embroidered or colorful vests and their hair was worn in 'dog ears' at the side like this young man has, sometimes with long pony tail, as well. The draping of a red sash or scarf is indicative and iconographical for the flow of blood of Royals, or perhaps a Noble class parent or grandparent. One other detail helps affirm it: That extra thick wrapped cravat at his neck, again symbolism relating to those who lost their heads at the guillotine in the decade before. Wealthy youth of the royal and ruling class so recently deposed and often exiled from France, this seemed to be a movement mostly centered in Paris. One of my favorite subjects or periods for Portrait miniatures, really, quite often in high karat gold mounts or frames. This one is finely crafted but not 18k gold. Might be plated.The frame is made like a locket, the halves fitting into each other and there is a ring up top which likely had a bale. Sometimes worn as pendant or jewelry items.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type.I think the glass on backside here is interesting, too. It has white stringing laid into it in some way, so that even though you see it has suffered a hairline break, the pieces do not separate, even removed from the locket-type frame. Convex cover glass in excellent condition, as is the oval painting, with very little loss for it's very advanced age nearing 230 years.
