One of the finest Antique French portrait miniatures of a gentleman I've had, it is such a shame the artists did not typically sign their work. We do know that many of the known artists of this era did miniatures as a ready means to support themselves in their later-recognized art, but it's nearly impossible to match unsigned work to those artists. This one, his handsome face captured in jut 7/8", chin to hairline, is quite astounding. We do not know his ID, but his perfectly keen fashion puts him squarely in the c.1825-35 period of the "Restauration", as French rule returned to the Royals, ultimately to King Louis-Philippe, France's last King. One can assume this gentleman ran with that elite society. Isn't he elegant in his embroidered silk vest, his cravat with his 18k and diamond stick pin - surely a Palais Royal bit. Measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, dating 190-210 years, the painting is superbly accomplished and perfectly preserved. Gouache on thin wafer, this is an exacting art. No mistakes and a perfect plan and execution necessary. One cannot correct an error on this material as one might with an oil painting on canvas. Superb miniature here. The polychromed and gilded wood frame is a bit unusual for miniatures, and seems possible to be a replacement, though it certainly has the appropriate age to it. It shows the painting off splendidly. One can see from the backside, this miniature once had a gold leaf backing, which would have had the effect of adding light, depth, and a glow to the painting on its semi-transparent wafer. No chips, no hairlines, no losses other than some edge age to the pretty frame. No warp at all to the wafer, either.
