Antique French Portrait Miniature in 18k Gold Locket Frame, Signed by Artist, Motier

One of my favorites, this c.1700s to as late as 1800 portrait miniature is exceptional as a work of art, and has importance I have long since lost track of. Signed Motier, and with a crest on back, I remember it was very pricey when I bought it many years ago. Alas, I have lost my information about it, which I had intentionally kept due to his importance. When I search Motier, numerous references to Marquis de Lafayette come up, and while this gentleman does look somewhat like one (Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), from the long like of du Motier Marquis de Lafayette, including the one who fought with us in the American Revolutionary War, tilting the outcome of our independence from England.  This looks like and could very well be that Marquis, I am not positive of it. perhaps someone who studies crests can help determine the one on backside of this portrait and email me.  While it’s unusual for an identity of sitter to be signed on front rather than the artist, I vaguely do remember that was the case on this miniature.  That said, the painting is spectacular, and resides in its original 18k gold French locket-mount frame these 220 or more years later. 

Very good to excellent, no damage at all to the painting or the wafer upon which it is so beautifully painted (gouache on wafer). The frame comes apart in halves, and we’ve shown the wafer and the crested backing, both. Measurements are noted on the photos.