First off, note that her smiling face is less than 1/4" in height, and the entire painting is a mere 3 1/2" x 2 5/8". Now, wander through that elegant interior and take in the furnishings, the time, the 2 stools and don't miss the detail on her fan. Whomever was our miniaturist on this 19th century painting must have been utterly consumed with the task of capturing this tiny masterpiece. It is possible it is 18th century, I can't be certain, but not later than c.1830 I would say. Painted in gouache on a card or thick paper, covered with a splendid context cover glass and in a frame which seems to have a thin cover plaque of karat gold, though I have not tested it. Perhaps just a gold plating. Excellent quality, I suspect it was once mounted within a larger and ornate French bow top frame in dore bronze, with a fabric mat, although the mount for the hanging bale seems original. Full measurements are noted on the photos - or did I miss doing so. Ok, the outer frame is 3 3/4" x 3 1/8" rectangle, tight mitered corners on a fine frame.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. Not a bit of loss to that stunning small work of art. It is not signed, but look at the richness of detail. Opulent palette, no fading. Frame is also excellent with nod to one very small ding to lower right side at about the 4 o'clock position. I've taken a sideview of it for your review. Very small flaw. Again, uncertain if date is earlier or later in a broad period, c.1750-1830. Seems quite like the informal paintings of Madam Pompadour through the years.
