D Paillot: Superb Miniature Portrait Of A Man & Hair Composition, Late 18th Century, Gold Frame

Magnificent miniature by an artist whose works are rare, in a double-sided gold frame.

The miniature represents a man in bust, he is dressed like a man of quality from the very end of the century, with a coat with wide panels, a striped waistcoat, a white shirt and a wide knotted tie. These elements recall the costume of the Incroyables although our subject here does not have the extravagance that characterized these young people during the Directory.

The miniature is very finely executed, in particular the face which is of great virtuosity and striking realism.

The miniature is signed and dated "Paillot 1797". Dominique Paillot, born in 1775 and died in 1814, was an oil and pastel painter, more rarely a miniaturist. The miniatures by his hand are very rare. A student at the Dijon school, he won first prize in the 1789 competition. In 1806 he became a member of the Besançon academy and then a professor at the drawing school in the same city.
He died young, at 39, which means that his works are rare.

A lock of hair on blue textile is present on the back of the miniature. These are generally those of the subject painted or of the person loved by this person in order to symbolically bring them together.

The miniature and the lock of hair are in a gold hanging frame.

There are some barely legible hallmarks on the bail, probably an eye, a discharge hallmark for very small works between 1789 and 1792 in Paris but probably used until 1798.
The gold was also tested with 18-carat acid. Magnificent miniature by a talented artist whose works on the market are rare and sought after, the whole being highlighted by this superb gold frame.

6.5 cm in diameter excluding the bail
6 cm in diameter at sight for the miniature alone

28.38 grams gross

Very good condition. Three small lighter spots on the bottom, to the right of the subject's left shoulder. Tiny deformation of the hooping, on the edge.

Hand delivery in Paris or insured Colissimo shipping.

France: €15
Europe: €20
World: €35