I've had this portrait miniature for decades, and just recently looked at her again and wondered why in the world she has not sold - only to realize, I did not have her listed. While Mrs Siddons is a figure of the 1700s, I believe this painting of her falls more to the early to mid-1800s, perhaps a fine quality souvenir "aprés" or after the famous large painting of her by the likes of Gainsborough or Sir Joshua Reynolds, and meant to appeal to grand tour travelers entranced by those paintings and others, and by the story of Mrs. Siddons. This one most resembles one by Gainsborough which is on display at the National Gallery, London. Sarah Kemble Siddons was a very famous actress in her time. Very interesting history you'll want to read. She's framed in a silver frame mounted with beautiful sapphire colored paste gems, known to have been one of her favorite colors. A beautiful frame for a superb portrait in miniature. Measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent throughout, the painting is truly exquisite - far higher quality than most grand tour souvenir miniatures. I suppose there is a possibility it is from her era, 18th century, but since we do not have a provenance to show that, we'll hold to my assessment of her being into 1800s, instead. I see nothing to report by way of flaws. The painting is superb, a very adept artist, indeed. And the frame holds tightly to its gems and jewels - paste sapphires in navette shape alternating with small round paste diamonds (faux). The painting is not signed.
