Intriguing and Beautiful Miniature Portrait of a Young Woman

THE STORY - The moment I saw this young woman in an auction catalogue I fell in love with the dramatic beauty of the miniature with the young woman's pale pensive face against that stunning deep burgundy coloured backdrop with patterns upon it that remind me of oil on water. I believe the miniature would date to the end of the Victorian era circa 1870 and is a watercolour on card, but one of the aspects that for me adds to the drama of this piece is the flatness of the portrait, it almost has a graphic quality to it and it has made me question whether is is watercolour or possibly an overpainted print and I confess I have been completely unable to come to a conclusion. The portrait is certainly beautiful and I adore the young woman's face with her blue eyes, her head slightly tilted turned to look at us and that small pensive smile. She is dressed in black, possibly for mourning, although those wonderful long drop earrings with equally wonderful pearl choker makes me think that she would be in the final stages of mourning. The miniature sits in an unusual thin leather frame of tan colour with a shot silk burgundy backing.

AGE - Circa 1870

CONDITION - The portrait is in good condition with the colours still strong and bright and no foxing that I can see. The leather of the frame has darkened with age and there is a stain on the bottom left corner, which I hope you can see in the photos. The silk of the backing has also darkened with age with staining at the corners. The glass is clear of any scratches that I can see and the little round hanger feels secure.

DIMENSIONS (Approx) - Framed - 5&7/8" / 14.5cm, Width 4&1/2" / 11.5cm, Depth - 0.2cm

I really do love this miniature for me there is a wonderful combination of drama and domesticity, the young lady is very beautiful but I acknowledge she is not as sophisticated as many of the classic beauties of the age. And although that graphic quality of the portrait has puzzled me it is also for me adds perfectly to the drama of the piece. She maybe different but trust me she is very special.