18th/19th-Century European Miniature Portrait on Porcelain with Solid 24k Gold Frame and Raised Pearl Embellishments
24 January 2025
Description

Detailed Description of the Miniature Portrait General Overview: This is an 18th to 19th-century European miniature portrait, hand-painted on porcelain, featuring a finely dressed young woman with aristocratic styling. The piece is signed, but the artist’s identity is currently under research. Key Features of the Miniature: 1. Portrait Details: • The sitter is depicted with soft, rosy features, styled curls, and expressive eyes. • She is adorned with: • A raised pearl necklace and tiara, adding a rare three-dimensional effect to the miniature. • An elegant off-shoulder gown, detailed with highlights of gold and white. • The overall composition suggests a portrayal of nobility or a figure of high social status. 2. Signature: • The portrait is signed in the lower right corner. Potential interpretations of the signature include: • T. Cranipler • C. Tranibler • The signature is written in a stylized cursive script, and while the exact artist is not identified, it is consistent with European portrait miniature traditions. 3. Materials: • Porcelain Base: The portrait is painted on a durable porcelain surface, allowing for fine detailing and vibrant colors. • Frame: • The frame is solid 24-karat gold, confirmed via acid testing. • It features ornate Rococo-style scrollwork and floral designs, typical of high-end craftsmanship of the period. • A loop attachment suggests the piece was designed as a pendant or locket. 4. Condition: • The portrait and frame are in excellent condition: • No visible cracks or damage to the porcelain. • Minimal wear on the gold frame, with much of its original brilliance intact. Historical Context: • Time Period: The sitter’s hairstyle, clothing, and the artistic style are consistent with the late 18th or early 19th century. • Function: Miniatures like this were often created as sentimental keepsakes or status symbols for wealthy individuals. The use of 24-karat gold and raised pearl embellishments indicates this piece was a bespoke luxury commission. Questions for the Appraiser: 1. Artist Identification: • Can you confirm the artist based on the signature or stylistic elements? Does “T. Cranipler” or “C. Tranibler” match any known miniature portraitists or porcelain painters? 2. Pearls: • Do the raised embellishments appear to be natural pearls, and how might this affect the valuation? 3. Provenance and Context: • Could the sitter or the craftsmanship provide clues about the piece’s origin or historical connections? 4. Valuation: • Based on the use of solid 24-karat gold, the raised pearl details, and the quality of the painting, what is the estimated market value of this piece? Additional Notes: This piece combines exceptional materials (solid gold frame, raised pearl embellishments) with fine artistry. The signature suggests the artist is of European origin, potentially French or Austrian, but further research is needed. Its rarity and craftsmanship make it a highly collectible item.

Dimensions

Approximately two by one and a half inches

Acquired from
Inherited
For sale
Yes
Answered within 1 day
By Charlotte B.
Jan 26, 00:18 UTC
Fair Market Value
$200 - $500 USD
Suggested Asking Price $300 USD
What does this mean?

Dear Michael Schaeffer,

Thank you for your appraisal submission. The work is a gouache painting on panel, noted to be porcelain in the provided information. It is a 18th/19th century miniature portrait of a young lady with wavy blonde hair, wearing a gown and pearls. According to the provided information, it is encased in a 24k gold locket. The raised medium of the pearls appears to be dots of oil painting rather than real pearls, but this can only be confirmed with a physical examination. The right edge of the work features an illegibly signature, possibly reading a variation of "C. Tranipler." No matching signatures of listed artists were found. From the images provided, the item appears to be in good condition with minor frame abrasions to the edges.

Miniature portraits of this type were popular in the 18th and 19th century in Europe. The technique was founded in Italy, and then spread throughout the continent in the following decades. Today, these are highly collectible items, and the lack of artistic attribution should not have a significant effect on the overall value of the piece. As with the pearl details, the 24k gold locket would require in person inspection as it may be gilt or gold-plated and not solid gold. The value estimation of this object will consider these additional features, but cannot place much weight on these in value calculation. The Fair Market Value of this item primarily considers general sales trends of miniature portraits, the quality and condition of the work. With these factors, the Fair Market Value of this piece is between $200 and $500.

Thank you for your appraisal submission.

Kind regards,
Charlotte B.

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