French Revolutionary era portrait miniature, or slightly post-Revolutionary, possibly as late as the Revolutionary protest fashionable youth of Paris self-identified as "Les Incroyables et Merveilleuses" (c.1795-99) whose portraits show this guillotine haircut, overly large and usually colorful neck-wrap cravat in remembrance of the severed neck/heads of The Terror. High collar dark blue coat is also typical of that era. Often in outdoor settings like this, some offer clues, in this case if we could decipher the text on the little letter he holds, we might know more. The frame is a locket-type, self-enveloping of 2 halves, a bale up top. Many of the era's frame for these wealthy young people are karat gold, but I have not tested this one and think it is plated and not solid. The original backside would have had glass covering an arranged lock of hair, possibly his or that of a relative who met the guillotine. About 230 years or more, this young man was living history first hand. It is a phenomenal painting without signature, only 3" in diameter and his stunning face is worked in the impossible space of only 1/2", chin to hairline. Suitable to hang or to wear on black silk ribbon or gold chain as a pendant. The paper upon which we've placed it for photos is not included and has nothing to do with the painting - only serves as backdrop.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the painting has no flaws at all. The frame is excellent. Front cover glass is intact, but the rear side's cover glass and whatever was originally housed in that back half has been lost to time. A panel of antique oiled paper has been inserted there. A remarkable bit of history, this!
