Signed Miniature Portrait by Gabriel Passot c1840

The miniature is in fine condition, with no chips, cracks, paint loss, or bowing. A light area along the top edge is due to light reflection. The case, of high quality silver with a royal crown and a mother-of-pearl reverse, is in excellent condition. Sight size is 1 5/8" by 1 3/8", with the overall case size being 2 1/2" by 1 1/2".

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Gabriel Aristide Passot (1797 Nevers - 1875 Paris) was a pupil of Mme de Mirbel, Dubufe, and Frédéric Millet. He exhibited at the Salon de Paris from 1824 to 1870. In 1834 he obtained a 3rd class medal; in 1837 and 1848 - 2nd class medals; in 1841 a 1st class medal. In 1852 Passot became Chevalier of the Legion d'Honneur. At about that time he was appointed a miniature painter to, displaying Napoleon III. He portrayed most of the court dignitaries, as well as numerous well known artists and celebrities, among them Rossini, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Duke de Morny. Leo Schidlof, in his book "The Miniature in Europe" (accepted as the definitive work on this subject), devoted a half page to Passot, and stated that the artist "counts amongst the best miniaturists of the middle of the 19th century".