Woman of the world, feminist, literary salon hostess (rue de Tournon) and Godmother to none other than Josephine Bonaparte. Such an interesting historical figure, and an outstanding miniature painting of her, this is Fanny de Beauharnais, née Marie-Anne-Françoise Mouchard de Chaban (4 October 1737, Paris – 2 July 1813). She was godmother to Josephine's Bonaparte, Napoleon's Empress. She was enmeshed in the circles of the French Empire, respected as a woman of letters, who held salons and, having married young and separated from her husband, lived out her life as an arts socialite. She was a poet, writer, encouraged intellectuals and arts in what might perhaps be the most interesting period of French history, and in and around those in power. Through her daughter, she is related to the Royals of Belgium, Luxembourg and Monaco, and former Royals of Yugoslavia and Romania. The painting is one taken from life, therefore of historical and art value. Larger than most, also indicating its importance, her face is a stunning portrait in 1 1/4", chin to hairline.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, a large wafer and confident painting in gouache, one can fully appreciate her in frame. Taken out of frame, there appears, at certain angles of light, evidence of age hairlines in the wafer, both of which have been restored and supported, strengthened from the backside with 2 lengths of wafer. Nearly impossible to see while in display in frame, I've shown it from backside and front at angles of light, marked in "x" for your review. The frame and original cover glass both remain in excellent condition. The historical significance and sheer beauty of the artist's work make her one of my favorites.
