Antique early 19th Century French Portrait Miniature, Blond Woman with Tiara, Necklace, Frame

Late Napoleon era to as late as 1820s, this beautiful young woman is the epitome of fashion for her era. An evolved Empire gown, and the pearl and ormolu tiara so popular in Napoleon era, and which type we’ve had and sold many over the decades. Rather unusual, a natural blond among a majority of darker haired beauties in my French portrait miniatures collections, I always wonder if these portraits are the ‘coming out’ stage of her young life, a wedding portrait, or perhaps one painted to leave with Mama and Papa as she leaves with her new husband for a life far away. In her gaze, hints of any of those situations, isn’t there? A little hesitancy, a little bravado, and a bloom of realization of her own beauty. I love this one! Full measurements are noted on the photos. On back the writing tells us she is “My grandmother (Mimy), painted by her Mimi (mother or grandmother”. Definitely a special and very cherished family heirloom which ultimately found its way to anonymity and auction. Her face is 1″, chin to hairline. 

Very good to excellent and in her original frame, a silk velvet covered beveled mat for additional appeal. Cover glass intact, clean. The painting is very slightly imperfect with the artist’s drop of moisture in the process of painting her own grandchild or is it her daughter. Talented family AND beautiful! The old original French wooden frame is typical of the era and shows some age, of course. The painting is still sealed on back, so all photos are through the cover glass. I used to have a big collection of portrait miniatures with these Tiara – love those. I have a couple of those left, will list soon, hopefully. Full measurements noted on the photos.