{"product_id":"mid-18th-century-british-portrait-miniature-of-a-young-woman-in-gold-bezel-circa-1745","title":"Mid-18th Century British Portrait Miniature of a Young Woman in Gold Bezel, Circa 1745","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA finely painted 18th-century British portrait miniature depicting an elegant young woman in a blue-gray dress with a low square neckline edged in white lace and a coordinating ribbon choker.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe sitter is shown bust-length against a softly shaded neutral background, her dark hair swept back from the face in the restrained fashion of the 1740s–1750s. Particularly lovely are the delicate rendering of the eyes, subtle modeling of the face, and tiny lacework along the neckline.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe miniature is housed in an oval gold-toned pendant frame with a substantial suspension ring, allowing it to have been worn as a pendant or displayed as a personal keepsake.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA later handwritten German dealer or collection label on the reverse appears to describe the miniature as a:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Juwel der britischen Miniaturmalerei um 1745”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eor approximately, “A jewel of British miniature painting, circa 1745.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe final notation appears to record an earlier price of approximately Fr. 7,200, though the exact currency and date of the label are unknown.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCirca 1740–1755\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGeorgian period.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBritish \/ English School\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePortrait miniatures reached an extraordinary level of refinement in Britain during the 18th century. Small enough to be carried or worn, they functioned as intimate representations of family members, spouses, sweethearts, and important social connections.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy the 1740s, British miniaturists were producing highly detailed portraits on thin ivory supports using finely applied watercolor and gouache. The translucent qualities of ivory allowed artists to create particularly luminous flesh tones, while tiny brushes were used to describe eyes, hair, textiles, and lace.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe sitter’s dress, close-fitting ribbon choker, and comparatively restrained hairstyle are consistent with the middle decades of the 18th century, supporting the circa-1745 dating recorded on the later label.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSourced in France.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA later German-language dealer or collector label is retained on the reverse.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials\u003cbr\u003ePainted portrait miniature, likely watercolor\/gouache on ivory\u003cbr\u003eGold-toned metal frame and suspension ring\u003cbr\u003eGlass\u003cbr\u003ePaper backing\u003cbr\u003eMaterial Note\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe support appears visually consistent with ivory, the standard material for higher-quality European portrait miniatures of this period, but this has not been independently tested.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe frame has not been tested for gold content and should be described as gold-toned or gilt unless hallmarks or testing confirm otherwise.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlease provide the exact miniature and overall pendant dimensions and I can add them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom scale, approximately 2–2.5 inches high excluding the suspension ring.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGood antique condition considering the miniature’s age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe portrait remains remarkably clear with attractive color and fine facial detail. Minor surface wear, fading, spotting, and age-related imperfections may be present.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe gold-toned frame shows rubbing, darkened areas, small scratches, and surface wear consistent with age. The reverse paper backing is toned and worn and retains a later handwritten identification\/price label.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlease review photographs closely for condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisclaimers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAntique and vintage objects may exhibit wear, patina, fading, repairs, scratches, staining, losses, and other signs of age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eImportant: If the portrait is confirmed to be painted on ivory, its sale, export, and interstate or international shipment may be regulated. Age alone does not automatically exempt ivory objects from all applicable laws. Any ivory attribution should therefore be handled carefully and documented where possible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49202052956415,"sku":null,"price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/IMG-8366.png?v=1789341924","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/products\/mid-18th-century-british-portrait-miniature-of-a-young-woman-in-gold-bezel-circa-1745","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}