The backing is sealed so I didn't open this one up to scan it, and you know the lights and flash of our digital cameras do wash out the miniatures, so consider that this one is ever so much more beautiful in person than in our photos. That said, this is a fine painting in miniature, likely after one of Diana at her Bath, though not the Boucher one we often see redone. With all my Art History background, I should recognize the artist on the original of this image, but I can't bring it to mind. It is entirely possible this is a 'naughty' painted by commission, showing some gentleman's mistress. But in any case, isn't it wonderful. In composition and execution, it rises above the majority of the old miniature paintings done 'apres' or after the earlier works of the Masters. These small paintings are normally one of 2 types: 1. the commissioned portraiture of a living person, or 2. a copy in miniature of a famous artist's painting and done primarily for the Grand Tour tourist trade, sold to those who wanted a souvenir of their favorite paintings in museum collections such as the Louvres. This would be of that second variety. Charming and yet unsigned as far as I'm able to ascertain. It is possible it might be signed on the outer rim, hidden by the mat, or perhaps on backside.
Very good to excellent condition without any chips or splits to the fine old thin natural wafer upon which the artist has painted this one in gauche or watercolor. The wafer is flat, no warp. The back is sealed so we can't open it to scan and that means you're seeing slightly washed out photos of the painting, which shows more beautifully in person. We often open these up and scan the paintings for you so you can see the very fine detail, but when sealed, we hesitate to break a seal in back. The frame is a typical early 1800s French frame of wood, complete and in good form, no breaks or chips. The cover glass is also fully intact, clean and the miniature is ready to hang or set upon small easel. GREAT for a doll house, by the way, the miniatures like this are wonderful additions to any tiny decor.
