Even before Queen Victoria reigned, this fine distinguished gentleman of a certain age, was captured elegantly by artist "Louis Parch (or Parer?), Brighton, 1829", the gentleman might be Lt. Soames, Esq. based on the notations on the thin velds still adhered to back of the small painting. I've enlarged it so much for your inspection, it loses a little of the crisp clarity of image. Truly an exceptionally fine work of art. Exceptional miniaturist. Appears to have been painted while in Brighton, UK, the beach resort most notable for British society in that early era. The mount is solid and heavy gold, tests at 14k, so may well be 15k or 16k. It does not test at 18k. Measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition throughout, undisturbed by the nearly 200 years since created, well-treasured, indeed. An attorney or a judge, Mr. Soames, Exquire, contemporary to England's King George IV, appears to be in his 70s or beyond. Perhaps one can research a bit more of his story.
