Portrait Miniature on Ivory, French, Georgian

Antiques : Art : Portrait Miniature Of Lady : French Lady On Ivory, Original Frame

 

This is a portrait miniature on ivory of a lovely lady whom I suspect is French. When looking at the piece with a loupe, one is amazed at the detail in her hair--it almost looks like one could touch a loose strand--and her eyes--the sparkle is still there. This piece is still in the original, beautiful brass frame with bow top, leather back, and brass easel. The miniature is signed, but some of the letters are worn, and it is very difficult to make out. If I had to guess, I would guess that the first name is Alexandre, and I can't make out the last. The lady is wearing her hat in the fashion made famous by the Duchess of Devonshire, and this could well be a likeness of the Duchess , though I don't know that for certain She wasn't French, though all things French were fashionable in England at the time..The portrait is in very good condition for its 200 plus year. There might well be some paint loss at the white spots at 3 o'clock. and perhaps at 6 o'clock. at the bottom of the dress. It's difficult to tell, because when I first bought this, I thought these places were shading. Now that I know a little more about miniatures, I suspect it is paint loss, though it fits in, and really doesn't detract from the lady's beauty. These two spots are in the background also, and could easily be restored. In the frame, including the bow, the piece measures 3 inches, North to South, and 1 and 3/4 inches East to West.

Item ID: 5044