Directoire-Era Portrait Miniature of a Gentleman in Gilt Pendant Frame
Directoire-Era Portrait Miniature of a Gentleman in Gilt Pendant Frame
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Late 18th- to early 19th-century Continental portrait miniature depicting a young gentleman with blue eyes, dressed in a dark blue coat and high white cravat with standing collar. The sitter’s short, brushed hairstyle and restrained palette are characteristic of the Directoire to early Napoleonic period (circa 1790–1805).
The watercolor miniature is mounted behind glass within a simple oval gilt metal pendant frame with suspension loop, suggesting it was intended to be worn or displayed as a personal keepsake.
The reverse retains handwritten German inscriptions on protective paper/glassine backing, likely added in the late 19th or early 20th century, identifying the sitter as:
“R. Ritter von Haaschow, Dr. jur., Appellationsrath in Böhmen” with life dates recorded as 1748–1807 (Prague).
Additional genealogical notes reference the Heupel von Haaschow family and a claimed descent from medieval Bohemian royalty (King Wenceslaus I of Bohemia b 1253). These inscriptions appear later than the miniature itself and should be considered family or collector annotations rather than confirmed identification.
The miniature appears to be painted on thin organic support (possibly ivory), typical of portrait miniatures of the period, though confirmation would require magnification or transmitted light examination.
Late 18th- to early 19th-century Continental portrait miniature depicting a young gentleman with blue eyes, dressed in a dark blue coat and high white cravat with standing collar. The sitter’s short, brushed hairstyle and restrained palette are characteristic of the Directoire to early Napoleonic period (circa 1790–1805).
The watercolor miniature is mounted behind glass within a simple oval gilt metal pendant frame with suspension loop, suggesting it was intended to be worn or displayed as a personal keepsake.
The reverse retains handwritten German inscriptions on protective paper/glassine backing, likely added in the late 19th or early 20th century, identifying the sitter as:
“R. Ritter von Haaschow, Dr. jur., Appellationsrath in Böhmen” with life dates recorded as 1748–1807 (Prague).
Additional genealogical notes reference the Heupel von Haaschow family and a claimed descent from medieval Bohemian royalty (King Wenceslaus I of Bohemia b 1253). These inscriptions appear later than the miniature itself and should be considered family or collector annotations rather than confirmed identification.
The miniature appears to be painted on thin organic support (possibly ivory), typical of portrait miniatures of the period, though confirmation would require magnification or transmitted light examination.
2.75" x 2"
2.75" x 2"
Portrait miniatures served as intimate personal objects in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, often exchanged between family members or carried as mementos. The restrained neoclassical styling seen here reflects the transition from aristocratic Rococo portraiture to the more sober aesthetic of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic era.
The sitter’s clothing — particularly the high cravat, standing collar, and cropped hairstyle — is consistent with Continental fashion around the turn of the 19th century.
The German inscriptions suggest later attempts to preserve genealogical memory of the sitter, possibly when the miniature passed through descendants or collectors.
Portrait miniatures served as intimate personal objects in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, often exchanged between family members or carried as mementos. The restrained neoclassical styling seen here reflects the transition from aristocratic Rococo portraiture to the more sober aesthetic of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic era.
The sitter’s clothing — particularly the high cravat, standing collar, and cropped hairstyle — is consistent with Continental fashion around the turn of the 19th century.
The German inscriptions suggest later attempts to preserve genealogical memory of the sitter, possibly when the miniature passed through descendants or collectors.
Late 18th – Early 19th century Directoire / Early Napoleonic period (circa 1790–1805)
Late 18th – Early 19th century Directoire / Early Napoleonic period (circa 1790–1805)
Watercolor miniature (likely on ivory or wafer support)
Glass cover
Gilt metal pendant frame (brass or ormolu)
Paper/glassine backing with handwritten inscriptions
Watercolor miniature (likely on ivory or wafer support)
Glass cover
Gilt metal pendant frame (brass or ormolu)
Paper/glassine backing with handwritten inscriptions
Georgia Estate Collection / Bohemia
Georgia Estate Collection / Bohemia
Some rubbing visible around the perimeter of the miniature support
Wear and patina to gilt metal frame
Back inscriptions are later additions and not verified documentation
Ivory substrate not confirmed, but consistent with period construction
Some rubbing visible around the perimeter of the miniature support
Wear and patina to gilt metal frame
Back inscriptions are later additions and not verified documentation
Ivory substrate not confirmed, but consistent with period construction