A Handsome Miniature Portrait of a Gent c1795
Directory: Fine Art: Paintings: Miniatures: Pre 1800: Item # 1389872
Please refer to our stock # a1680 when inquiring.
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A finely painted watercolor portrait of a good looking gentleman wearing a black jacket and a white shirt, stock and collar. The talented artist specifically painted the entire piece in shades of white, black, and gray. Note the way he used white highlighting on the left collar and shoulder of the sitter to give a sense of depth to the piece.
The back of this work deserves special mention as it is composed of a backing of metal guilloche. (Guilloche is a decorative technique in which a very precise, intricate and repetitive pattern is mechanically engraved into an underlying material via engine turning.) The next layer above this is an oval of opalescent glass. Finally, there is, under a clear glass cover, an intricately woven plait of hair held by a circlet of gold with pearls, and two further gold thread pieces.
The condition of the painting is excellent, with no issues. The gold case is also in fine shape. The sparkling area at the lower right in the front is due to a tiny edge of the guilloche work showing. Both the front and back of this piece appear much better in person than is shown in the photos. Overall size of this little gem is 2 5/8" by 2 3/6".
