Magnificent Miniature Portrait Of Marvelous & Hair 18th Century, Gold Frame. Directory

Superb portrait of a woman of quality, from the Directoire period, in a solid gold frame.

The miniature represents a "Merveilleuse" or woman of quality, in bust, slightly turned to her left but looking at the viewer.
She is dressed in a light dress, wears a rich gold slavery necklace centered with a probable blue Bressans enamel, a gift offered by a young man to his future wife. Her hair is done in the fashion of the end of the 18th century, with relatively short, curly hair and locks falling on the forehead, the whole held by a ribbon.

This period is a period of liberation after the excesses of the terror, it sees the appearance of an extravagant fashion worn by those called the Incroyables and Merveilleuses. The latter wear light antique dresses and have short, curly hair like those of the antique busts.
Madame Belland adopted this fashion as demonstrated by her outfit.

The back of the miniature is annotated: "Madame Belland // née Colonge. // Peinte le 5 (?) May 1797", unfortunately without the artist's signature. I have not managed to identify this lady or find any mentions in the archives.

The portrait is beautifully painted, with a very high quality of detail. The locks of hair are finely detailed, the gaze is lively and piercing, the slight smile is mischievous. The complexion is very well rendered, as are the pleats of the dress.

On the back, a label attributes this miniature to the school of Lié-Louis Perin-Salbreux but I do not find the "vaporous" touch of this artist. I see rather the precision and clarity of a close friend or follower of Jean-Baptiste Isabey.

In any case, this portrait is a little marvel that is certainly the work of a great miniaturist whose talent is undeniable.

It is highlighted by a superb double-sided solid gold frame, to hang, the reverse of which shows Madame Belland's braided hair.

The bail of the frame is hallmarked:
. Fig leaf, discharge hallmark of the old regime, used between 1789 and 1792
. Another small illegible hallmark, perhaps a later census

A magnificent object, presenting this superb portrait, very well executed by a talented artist, highlighted by this large gold frame and the reverse of which is a second touching testimony to the life of this Madame Belland.

7.1 cm in diameter excluding the bail
6.2 cm in diameter at sight for the miniature alone

41.9 grams gross
12.3 grams net for the gold frame alone

Superb condition. Very small lack on the left of the miniature, invisible because under the gold frame. Missing hair braiding and slight deformation of the frame at the bail.

Hand delivery in Paris or insured Colissimo shipping.

France: 15€
Europe: 20€
World: 35€