OLD MASTER Oil on Copper Miniature of a Lady, ca.1650!

Antiques : Art : Portrait Miniatures : 17th Century

 

Dating to ca. 1650, this Dutch oil on copper portrait miniature of a lady comes straight out of my own private collection of fine, early portrait miniatures. This museum-quality, mid-17th-century Dutch portrait miniature is painted by the hand of an unknown Old Master, and has all of the skillful technique and mysterious charm of a Rembrandt!

This miniature is painted in oils on a copper ground, and depicts a young lady of about 25 years of age. This handsome beauty boasts dark brunette hair worn in the fashion of the period, a rosy complexion, deep brown eyes, red lips, and a lovely, long neck! Her expression is both pleasant and serene; she almost has a "Mona Lisa" smile! You can just see the red, burgundy and silver square-necked bodice gown she is wearing. She is executed in a very masterful manner, and the expert use of lighting and shadows exemplify all that is so wonderful about fine 17th-century Dutch works of art.

Although unsigned, this portrait was clearly painted by a 17th-century Dutch master. The miniature measures 2 3/8" x 1 7/8", and may have been hand-cut down from a slightly larger painting early in its life, as the oval is not 100% symmetrical. The identity of this noble-looking lady may be lost to history, but this hauntingly beautiful portrait miniature remains! One cannot help but wonder who this lady was. . . could she have been a member of Dutch family of nobility? The beloved daughter or young wife of a rich Amsterdam merchant?

Portrait miniatures of this period were privately commissioned and highly expensive, so she must have been a lady of some importance. One might make a fascinating and profitable project of discovering the name of the artist and/or the sitter by comparing it to other Old Master portraits of the period, but I simply do not have the time!

The reverse of the portrait shows its original, 350-year old dark brown patina, with developing surface spots of green iron oxide. The miniature itself has never been cleaned, and retains its wonderful, original varnish and original surface, but it could easily be cleaned and re-varnished at the buyer's discretion.

This portrait has been successfully black-light tested, and there was no inpainting detected, and no inpainting is visible to the eye. All of the paint is present, and there are no chips, flaking or losses after over three and a half centuries! This piece was difficult to photograph, and the photos do not do it justice! (Any tiny spots you may see in the photos are just reflections off of the painting's varnish.)

I have fitted this stunning work of art in a late-Victorian gilt brass frame and hanger with a closed brass back, but it really deserves to be properly mounted. This superb painting has survived the centuries in near-pristine condition! If you collect the BEST in early portraits or miniatures, I cannot recommend this one highly enough. It would also make the ULTIMATE holiday gift for that special lady or gentleman fond of Old Master works of art. Or treat yourself this year - you deserve it! This is the ONLY portrait miniature of this date and quality that I will be offering all year, so do not miss it!

LAYAWAY IS AVAILABLE ON THIS ITEM! Terms are as follows: 30% down, with 4 months to pay the balance. If you are interested in layaway, please do not be shy; just ask!

Item ID: 156