SOLD Antique French Silver, Rock Crystal & Painted Enamel Portrait 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. 

This early piece depicts a French beauty sporting a voluminous chartreuse hat bedecked with lavish periwinkle bows. The lovely tussy mussy bouquet at her breast picks up on the bright pink gown she is wearing. Set in silver and adorned with rock crystal, she is a real treasure to anyone lucky enough to add her to their collection!

Details (approximate)

Dimensions: 38mm diameter

Weight: 8.1 grams

Materials: Silver, hand painted enamel, rock crystal

Metal: Silver

Marks: None

Condition: Very good antique condition; some surface wear

Circa early 1800s

LORL, LOE