RARE Miniature Portrait on Ivory, Anitque French Bronze Empire Frame

Fine Art : Paintings : Miniature Paintings, Grand Tour

 

Identified on back of the ivory wafer simply as 'Mrs. Scott', this remarkable portrait in miniature is reminiscent of a Gainsborough, don't you think? And vaguely familiar for another reason, too. In fact, don't you think it might well be an ancestor of Jay Leno? Look at the jawline. haha. Actually, this portrait is stunningly fine in its treatment of the subject in such a tiny format. The gradation of colors, the magnificent treatment of the folds and clothing, and the pose, as well, - all remarkable works of art. The young woman pictured, likely a Grand Tour tourist on her honeymoon in Paris, early to mid-1800s, is in high fashionable dress and may well have had her portrait done in the boutiques of the Palais Royal, or in other nearby artist haunts near the Louvre galleries. It's interesting to me to know that some of our most famous artists of the early Impressionist era were known to do these quick and profitable little portraits to put food on the table. Don't we just wonder who it was who really painted this superb keepsake. Framed well in a period French bronze frame, it's a mini-masterpiece!

Very good to excellent condition, not a flaw to report on painting or frame. Cover glass is the old original deep convex glass and it has no hairline or other cracks or damage. A splendid painting, great frame.

Item ID: 1106minport