Antique Miniature Portrait on Ivory in a 24-Karat Gold Frame
Antique Miniature Portrait on Ivory in a 24-Karat Gold Frame Key Details: 1. Medium: • Hand-painted miniature portrait, confirmed to be on genuine ivory. • The painting features exquisite detail, indicative of 18th or early 19th-century craftsmanship. 2. Frame: • Made of 24-karat gold (confirmed). • Intricately designed with scrolling Rococo-style motifs, including a highly ornate suspension loop. • Backed with a smooth golden panel, which appears original to the piece. 3. Subject: • The sitter is an elegantly dressed woman with a powdered wig, adorned with delicate jewelry and embellishments in her hair, including green and red gems. • Her attire includes an ermine-trimmed cape or stole, a symbol of wealth, nobility, and high status, often associated with royalty or the aristocracy. • Her overall appearance, with the powdered wig, jewelry, and ermine, suggests she may be of noble or royal descent, potentially tied to the late Rococo or early Neoclassical period (circa 1760–1820). • The overall aesthetic suggests either French or Austrian origin, potentially tied to a courtly environment. 4. Markings and Writing: • A handwritten note and numbers are visible on the back of the frame, including “3672 W.G. 3M” and additional faded script. • These markings could be inventory or collection numbers from a previous owner or museum. 5. Dimensions: • Frame: Approximately 3.5–4 inches in diameter. • Painting: Approximately 2.5–3 inches in diameter (visible portion within the frame). 6. Condition: • Painting: Excellent, with no visible cracks or fading. Colors remain vibrant. • Frame: Minor surface wear and patina, consistent with age, but no significant damage. Overall well-preserved. 7. Provenance: • No direct documentation of origin, but the frame’s gold content and the style of the miniature strongly suggest a luxury item from a noble or aristocratic commission. • The piece bears similarities to late 18th-century French or Austrian portrait miniatures. 8. Additional Notes: • The sitter’s identity is unknown, but her ermine-trimmed attire and adornments align with portraits of European aristocracy or royalty. • The signature “Vert” appears on the miniature but remains unlinked to a specific artist. It could be a pseudonym or lesser-known artist from the period. Questions for Appraisal: 1. Can you help identify the sitter based on her attire, including the ermine, and overall style? 2. Is the artist “Vert” associated with any known works or workshops from this era? 3. Does the style and craftsmanship align more closely with French, Austrian, or other European origins? 4. Could the handwritten note or numbers on the back provide additional provenance? 5. What would you estimate as the current market value, considering the ivory, 24-karat gold frame, and historical significance
2.5” c 2.5”
Inherited
Yes
Hello,
This is a finely crafted hand-painted miniature portrait on genuine ivory, set within a confirmed 24-karat gold frame. The portrait reflects exquisite Rococo or Neoclassical craftsmanship, dating it to approximately 1760-1820. The detailed painting, showcasing a powdered wig and ermine-trimmed clothing, strongly suggests the subject is a member of the aristocracy or royalty, characteristic of French or Austrian nobility from the late 18th or early 19th century. The sitter’s regal appearance and fashion correspond to courtly aesthetics of this period.
Frame Analysis:
The frame, crafted in 24-karat gold, features intricate Rococo-style motifs and a suspension loop, further emphasizing the luxury and prestige of this item. The gold’s patina and minor wear indicate its age while remaining in excellent condition.
Painting Condition:
The portrait is exceptionally well-preserved, with vibrant colors and no visible cracks or deterioration. The overall craftsmanship and detail highlight the work of a highly skilled miniaturist. The signature “Vert,” present on the artwork, warrants further research for potential artist identification.
The reverse of the frame includes a handwritten note, with markings such as “3672 W.G. 3M.” While the exact origin remains unclear, these inscriptions may serve as inventory numbers from a previous collector or institution, potentially aiding in tracing its provenance.
