A very early 1700s portrait, this, housed in the original leather case, etui, and still in remarkably good condition. These in cases like this were not ordinarily covered with a cover glass. This one is original in that state, as well. I'm always surprised that artists have not signed their work, but in fact an artist was just a workman in that era, and had no discernible right to an ego. True enough for most, and particularly for most whose business was painting miniature portraits. My collection is broad, mostly found in France.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. The wafer suffers no chips nor cracks, but there is a very slight warp as the material, this thin, tends to want to return to a natural curve over time. The case has protected the painting very well, and is itself a splendid antique in fine form. A wooden case with fine leather covering, it really hasn't warped, closes smoothly with the 2 original clasps intact, and the leather even remains supple. Slight rippling as you can see, but no losses to speak of, which is quite rare in these. Some were made in shagreen. I think this is cordovan leather, fine quality in its time.
