Description: ANTIQUE VICTORIAN FRENCH DORE BRONZE HAND PAINTED PORTRAIT MARIE ANTOINETTE PALM POCKET PURSE TINY MIRROR FRENCH DOLL VANITY ACCESSORY GRAND TOUR ULTRA RARE! 1-3/8” including the frame. This tiny mirror is a rare find for collectors of vanity and antique purse items and/or collectors of hand painted miniature portraits in general or Marie Antoinette in particular. It would make an incredible vanity accessory for milady French Bru doll! These mirrors were meant to be kept in a lady’s purse or pocket, and were small enough to fit inside the palm, so that she could check herself out surreptitiously without anyone noticing. The portrait is exceedingly well done, and surprisingly unsigned. As collectors are aware, these miniature portraits are painstakingly hand-painted through a magnifying glass with just a few sable hairs on the paintbrush, and this portrait is exceedingly tiny, making it all the more remarkable that the details are so finely rendered. Simple but lovely dore bronze frame. “Minty” condition on the portrait. There is no condensation under the portrait which oftentimes happens with these items and which causes the paint to blur, run or fade. Remember, these tiny mirrors are not like the portraits that are safely housed in bronze frames that sit on the mantle or reside in a cabinet. These tiny beauties share space in a lady’s reticule with items such as miniature perfumes and hankies damp with sweat from milady‘s brow after dancing. The mirror, which is beveled, has quite a few issues. There is obvious foxing and loss to the silvering but it is still clear enough to see your reflection. There are quite a few of the tiny brass tabs missing but there are just enough left to hold the mirror in place, although it is slightly loose. There is a small chunk out of the side. The pictures clearly reflect all these conditions but frankly, I personally find charm in these evidences of its antique history. Luxury smalls were sold in the elite shops of the Palais Royale in Paris and were a favorite souvenir to bring home from the requisite Grand Tour trip of the rich and upperclass privileged. Add this little gem to your collection— who knows when you’ll come across another.HAPPY TO COMBINE SHIPPING
Price: 197.45 USD
Location: Bergenfield, New Jersey
End Time: 2024-10-15T06:37:39.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Size: 1-3/8”
Country/Region of Manufacture: France
Unit Quantity: 1
Handmade: Yes
