Antique 18th Century French Portrait Miniature of a Matron in Cape, Lace Bonnet and Elaborate Jeweled Cross & Chain

In that 3/4″ face you can see the early signs of aging, her outer corners of her eyss sloping slightly downward, a little labial fold, perhaps hormonal changes – the artist has captured shading detail with remarkable skill, to extent that you can see she has a shadowy shade across her upper lip. We have no hint to her identity, other than to know she’s a woman of Nobility, still fashionable and wears an exceptionally impressive chain and jeweled cruciform. Beautifully preserved in her original late 1700s frame and under slightly convex cover glass. Full measurements noted on the photos.

Very good to excellent condition for age and type. The exceptional condition of her late 1700s composition frame hints are family longevity and generational treasuring of this ancestor’s portrait. I have the sense she has hung on the same chateau walls for over 2 centuries. What appears in view slightly as a possible drape is actually a little damage to the left edging which looks like moisture. People might have tried to clean glass without taking it apart, allowing moisture to slip beneath the glass along edges. Additonally her lace-collared black velvet cape shows a little flaking of the paint. I’ve enlarged the painting enormously so you notice those, but in the hand and in normal size and view, it’s barely visible to naked eye. A stunning portrait, all in all, with fabulous jewelry and lace bonnet.