SOLD Magnificent Miniature Portrait on Ivory, Anitque French Bronze Empire Frame

Fine Art : Paintings : Miniature Paintings, Grand Tour

 

This stunning little painting came home with me from Paris last month, and I have to say that it is one of the finest portraits I've seen, not only those in miniature, but of full-sized paintings, as well. Just look at the character of the pose the artist has chosen for this delightful older gentleman, and the coloration and detail the artist managed to get into less than 3" diameters of ivory wafer. Framed well in an antique dore bronze French miniature frame, Empire in style and period, we believe this painting to pre-date daguerreotypes and to be a specially commissioned portrait and not a miniature painted for the Grand Tour trade. I would put a date on this one of late 1700s to earliest 1800s; 1830 at latest. Masterfully executed, and a fabulous museum quality portrait seldom seen.

Very good to excellent, no cracks or losses to the old ivory wafer which is not round originally (this evaluation based on the adhering original paper backing). No paint losses that would detract, either, though out of the frame for glass cleaning and scan, it is obvious that there is one tiny spot of rub on the paint. It is out of the area of aperture so not visible or detracting when displayed. There is no warping to the ivory wafer, either. Protected under the convex glass, it's sure to become your collection favorite.

Item ID: 1106pmoldman