Antique 14K Hand Painted Enamel Portrait In Onyx Brooch

Hand painted miniature portraits were the predecessors of photographs. When there was no other way to record a likeness of someone, the miniatures were treasured and passed down in families. Some portrait miniatures were painted of a specific person, and others were of classic style beauties rather than a particular real person. Often, these pieces were made into jewelry and worn as decoration, such as our brooch. The Victorians loved to hearken back to earlier periods in time, and their love of classic literature and legend encouraged artists to produce paintings and illustrations depicting their favorite characters.

This beautifully executed brooch shows a Medieval lady taking the fresh air on her terrace or balcony. A perfect blue sky with puffy clouds provides a picturesque background, while a balustrade and garden wall give her a perimeter. She wears a purple veil and a pink gown trimmed in ermine, indicating she is of Royal birth. In her hand she carries a basket of freshly cut flowers. An idyllic and illustrative depiction of a romantic figure, we are surmising that this could be no other than Lady Guinevere! 

Details (approximate)

Dimensions: 35mm

Weight: 10.5 grams

Materials: Gold, Onyx, Hand Painted Enamel

Metal: 14K yellow gold

Marks: 14K

Condition: Very good Antique condition commensurate with age and wear. Loss & repair to blue enamel.