Gorgeous antique French Napoleon III to Belle Epoque era hand painted portrait miniature in heavy bronze mirror backed picture frame, Comtesse du Barry ID'd! First of all, we're sure that this originally had a handle of sorts and was an elegant old vanity or hand mirror, given the beveled mirror in the back. One of two that we're adding this week, the other with handle and a beautiful gouche portrait. This with an ornate, heavy gilded bronze frame complete with laurel wreath, bow & ribbon top. The portrait itself beautifully done with garden scene in the background and a portrayal of the Comtesse du Barry. Jeanne Bécu, Comtesse du Barry (19 August 1743 – 8 December 1793) was the last Maîtresse-en-titre of Louis XV of France and one of the victims of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. Her relationship with Marie Antoinette, who was married to the Dauphin of France (the future Louis XVI), was contentious. On 8 December 1793, Madame du Barry was beheaded by the guillotine on the Place de la Révolution (now the Place de la Concorde). On the way to the guillotine, she collapsed in the tumbrel and cried "You are going to hurt me! Why?!" Terrified, she screamed for mercy and begged the watching crowd for help. Her last words to the executioner are said to have been: «De grâce, monsieur le bourreau, encore un petit moment!» - "One more moment, Mr. Executioner, I beg you!" She was buried in the Madeleine Cemetery, like many others executed during the Reign of Terror—including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The artist "Latour" has signed the painting in the lower right and the ID is on the original vellum backing, shown in the pictures. A wonderful addition to your portrait miniature gallery, or mine :).
Very good to excellent condition. As noted, we think it would have had a handle but no longer. Great as a wall hanging miniature painting or place along side your vanity and/or perfume bottles in the bath or boudoir. A few small darkened spost to the beveled mirror. See pictures for measurements.
