Dear Stuart Wayne Dean,

Thank you for your appraisal submission. The work appears to be a 16th century miniature watercolor painting on paper, or possibly vellum. It depicts Queen Elizabeth I fashionably adorned in a lace collar with ruby beads, and emerald gown and gold detail bodice. The miniature is framed in giltwood with needlework back. It is not signed or inscribed as was typically common of works of this type. The work is in poor condition with a significant crack or tear, and some rubbing to the pigment. It measures 3 inches in diameter.

Miniatures of Queen Elizabeth proliferated in the 1580s as politics and religion became increasingly tumultuous in Europe. As a sign of loyalty to the crown, many wore her image on pins or carried miniature frames. Nicholas Hilliard is one of the most well-known makers of these miniatures because he created a pattern of the portrait that was frequently copied. Hilliard's portrait oversimplified the Queen's face, restoring a more youthful appearance. Her dramatic fashion was a symbol of power, and her pale features, so easily rendered on paper and vellum, alluded to her wealth.

Miniatures are frequently present on the secondary market, and their value can be dependent on quality, medium, and artistic attribution. Miniatures on ivory and porcelain tend to sell the highest. Miniatures created by known artists also tend to sell higher than those of unknown creators. It also appears that the market for these miniatures has decreased a significant amount with less buyer interest today. In today's market, we estimate the Fair Market Value of this piece between $500 and $1000.

The exhibition history and provenance of this piece may help increase its sales value slightly, however it is not the most impressive in quality in comparison to other Elizabethan miniatures and the tear is a significant condition issue.

Thank you again for your submission.

Kind regards,
Charlotte B.