A charming miniature portrait by Susan Penelope Rosse, executed in gouache on gesso-washed vellum or card. The sitter is a sweet looking girl with long hair, wearing a blue gown with white lace edging at the bodice. The case for the miniature deserves special mention, being a flip type made of testudines shell with gold mounts.

The painting is in quite fine condition, with no issues, as is the clever case...

A beautiful and charming portrait on porcelain, painted, and signed on the reverse, by the well-known English artist, William Corden. The sitter is a young girl in a pretty white dress trimmed in blue, with matching shoes and necklace. She is seated in front of a red drapery, holding a basket of flowers, with several scattered by her side on the chaise-longue. signed on the reverse...

An exceedingly rare portrait miniature, done in watercolor on organic wafer, by John Miers (1756–1821) who was the most famous profilist or painter of silhouettes in Britain. (Actually, the term “silhouette” was not used until the 1830’s...

Description: Superb painting of Queen Victoria, in her old age, dressed in red with white lace, sitting and slightly looking to her right. This portrait is French and the artist name and the year,1878, and place, Paris, along with more information is engraved on the back. Size: The portrait is 2 1/4" in height and1.75" wide, in perfect condition, set in a 4"H X 2.75"W fine gilt bronze frame...

A beautifully painted miniature by Jeremiah Meyer. The sitter is a blue-eyed older woman wearing a lace cap, a white gown and scarf with a large ribbon at the neck, and a taupe shawl. The 15K gold case is another extraordinary work of art, blue foil backed glass, and the same on the reverse surrounding and centering an oval woven plait of hair.

Condition of the painting and case is superb, with no issues. Sight size is 2.4" by 1.8", while the case size is 4" by 2.8".

NOTES:
1...

A fine pair of miniature portraits, done in watercolor on wafer, by Ozias Humphry. They are mounted back to back in a gold case which has black and gold eglomise work on the cover glasses. The sitters are, purportedly by descent within the family, a Mr. and Mrs. Poole. The woman is attired in a white classic white gown and wears a bone comb in her hair...

A striking and strongly limned Andrew Plimer miniature portrait of Edward Buller Hicks, of the Royal Navy. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1812, and this portrait was most likely done at that time. In a later ebonized wood frame which nicely complements the piece. Both the painting and the frame are in excellent condition with no issues. Sight size is 2 7/8" by 2", and the framed size is 6 3/4" by 5 3/4".

Provenance: Elle Shushan and then to a NY collector.

Notes: 1...

Painted in watercolor on organic material, this fine example of Wood's work depicts an older man with blue eyes and pigtailed hair dressed in a black jacket with gold buttons, and a white vest and stock. Housed in its original case, with the glazed reverse having fancy hairwork over a on a white glass backing.

The painting is in excellent condition, with no cracks, bowing, or paint loss...

A beautifully executed miniature portrait painting by Andrew Plimer, done on natural organic material. The sitter, an attractive woman with strong features, short curly chestnut hair, and gray eyes, is simply dressed in a white gown, and is shown against a beautiful blue sky and white cloud background. As is often the case with Plimer's miniatures at this period, it is somewhat idealized, and the strong nose and elongated neck are typical...

19th century double oval portrait miniature paintings, depicting Shah Jahan and his wife, Momtaz Mahal. in carved footed wood stand, 10" h x 11" w. Condition Report; Excellent condition, there is a plastic cover over portrait of Momtaz Mahal, can easily be removed. Provenance: From a New York collection.

An uncommon c1840 miniature by Richard Morrell Staigg, signed lower right. The sitter is a blue-eyed young woman, simply posed in a black dress with lace edging at the bodice. Presented in 1/2 of a dag case. The sight size is 3" by 2 1/4".

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Richard Morrell Staig was born in England in 1817 and moved to the U.S. in 1831, first settling in Newport, RI. While there, Staigg studied under Jane Stuart, Gilbert Stuart's daughter...

A very early and rare miniature, enamel on copper, done circa 1690-1700 by Peter Boy the Elder (1651-1727). The sitter is Johann Wilheim II. He was Elector Palatine (1658–1716) of the Wittelsbach dynasty and was Duke of Neuburg (1690–1716), Duke of Jülich and Berg (1679–1716), and Duke of Upper Palatinate and Cham (1707–1714). From 1697 onwards Johann Wilhelm was also Count of Megen. Clearly a busy and well titled fellow.

The miniature is in its original gold mount on a 19th c...

An incredibly sweet miniature done in watercolor on organic wafer. Posed against a background of a blue sky with clouds, foliage on the right, and a body of water on the left, the subject is a beautiful young girl with large eyes, golden curls, and rosy cheeks. The artist used her red lips and the sash of her embroidered dress to provide "pops" of color.

The condition of this gem is excellent, with only a very small spot of restoration at the water at the extreme edge at 8:00 o'clock. T...

A classic example of a Moses B. Russell portrait on natural wafer, fully signed and dated on the backing card. The sitter is a young woman with brown sausage curls and blue eyes. Obviously from a well-to-do family, she is wearing a blue dress with lace edged sleeves, a cameo brooch at the bodice, a gold ring, and a long gold chain, and has a mink wrap on her lap. The colors are vivid, with the dark mauve chair contrasting nicely with the blue dress. This is an uncommon Russell in that it is a 3/...

Exceptional Grand Tour Micro-mosaic plaque with an extremely fine oval micro-mosaic image of the Pantheon in Rome: on a cartouche shaped black marble ground, with an oval malachite surround. Italian circa 1860.

4" x 3"

An unusual family grouping of three miniature portraits on organic wafers. All pieces, clearly done by the same hand (as yet unidentified), have a wonderful "feel" to them and are cleanly executed. The reverend in his black non-liturgical clothing, his wife in her black dress with white lace and cap, and their beautiful daughter, posed beside a tree and attired in a high-waisted gown with a blue ribbon and wearing a tortoiseshell comb in her hair, are set against a blue sky background. An old in...

A fine 19th century miniature version of Gilbert Stuart's "Lansdowne" portrait, the iconic 1796 life size portrait of George Washington. The painting here is done in watercolor and gouache on organic wafer. From its origin until the present day many copies of the portrait have been made, but very few on ivory.

This 3 1/8" by 2 1/2" example is in excellent condition, with no issues. The 11" by 9 3/4" gilt over gesso frame is period and might be original.

NOTES: 1. The Lansdowne port...

Museum-quality antique, early 19th century, superb quality, finely hand-painted Russian miniature portrait of Count Nikolay Mikhailovich Kamensky (1776-1811), attributed to the Russian painter Ivan Gavrilovitch Grigoriev (born 1780—died in the first half of the 19th century).

Watercolor and gouache on a natural wafer.

The count is depicted in a general green uniform with a red collar embroidered with gold oak leaves, gold epaulets, a black stock, wearing a blue moiré sash of the Impe...

A watercolor miniature portrait done by Richard Morrell Staigg. The sitter is a nice-looking blue-eyed young man in a black coat and cravat, with a light blue vest. As is usual with Staigg, the painting is superbly limned. It is housed in one half of a leather case.

The condition is excellent, with no problems whatsoever. Sight size is 3 1/2" by 3".

A fine portrait miniature attributed to John Downman, although Charles Hayter is a secondary possibility. Simply attired in a white gown, and with powdered hair, the sitter is shown with a pensive and somewhat downcast expression. Presented in a gold frame, the glazed reverse having a plaited hair border and a hairwork wheat-sheaf with seed pearls on opalescent glass. The condition is excellent, and the overall size is 3" by 2 3/8".

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: John Downman (1750 - 1824), born in W...

A very fine miniature of a young lady, done in watercolor on organic wafer. Signed lower right "Becker Px". The sitter is a wearing a gown with elaborate bows along the neckline and sleeves, and a pink sash. The glassless gilded wood frame is original to the painting.

There is a good amount of information on the back, some of which is missing or hard to make out. However, what can be determined is that this is a portrait of Julie von Haller, who was a member of the court of the Homburg Landg...

Signed "Inman 1842" along the right edge, this fine miniature portrait is purportedly of Theodore Roosevelt's grandmother. Painted with watercolors on organic material, it shows the sitter simply attired in a black dress with a lace collar, with the only other adornment being a brooch on that collar.

A later note on the back of the bronze frame states that the sitter is Mrs. Cornelius Van Schaack Roosevelt (nee Margaret Barnhill). Margaret was the mother of Theodore Roosevelt Sr., the grandmo...

Description: Absolutely beautiful and stunning portrait miniature of this pretty and charming lady, elegantly dressed, holding a red shawl, wearing beautiful crown, three strings of pearl on her neck. Standing in the garden with multicolored impressionistic foliage in the background. Artist initial "SM?" on the lower right is visible. This portrait is from 19th century era. Size; 4.5"H x 3.5"W, housed in a old and fancy 10.5"H x 10"W giltwood frame Small chip to the edge of panel at lower lef...

After Elizabeth Louise Vigee-LeBrun,Louise Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun (Marie Élisabeth Louise; 16 April 1755 – 30 March 1842) was a French painter, and is recognized as the most famous womanpainter of the eighteenth century, "Self Portrait", oil on porcelain, oval portrait miniature, signed lower right "Volk", porcelain with stamp "Swaine & Co., Huttensteinach 766", 5-1/4" x 3-3/4". Presented in a polychromed and giltwood frame composed of three bands of decorative carving. Great condition...

Using watercolor on organic material, Francois Theodore Rochard painted this beautiful portrait of an attractive blue-eyed young woman with brown hair done ion sausage curls. The sitter, identified on a very old label on the rear of the frame, is Clara Stevens (?) age 18. She is posed against a wall with a climbing rose bush showing through a window to her left. Attired in a puffy-sleeved lace-edged white gown with a brooch below the bodice and a wide blue belt, she is also wearing a pink and bl...

19th century Indian oval portrait miniature, depicting Shah Jahan and his wife, oil on ivory, 4 1/4" h x 3 1/4" w. Provenance: From a New York collection.

A fine miniature portrait by Jeremiah Meyer, painted in watercolor on organic wafer. The sitter, an attractive woman with long brown hair, is simply presented in a teal gown, with no jewelry or other distractions from her natural beauty.

The painting has no cracks, chips, bowing, or restoration. The brass case is in fine condition with an unimportant dent in the back. The overall size is 1 7/8" by 1 5/8".

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Born in Germany, and brought to England in 1749, Jeremiah Me...

Description: French portrait miniature after Drouais,"L'Enfants Royale", Jean-Germain Drouais (French Neoclassical Painter, 1763-1788). With the prince standing by the princes who is holding a fruit basket with the left hand and holding the pet goat with the right. This intricately and delicately painted portrait is signed by the artist on the lower left and belongs to 19th century era. Size: This item is 6 1/4 inches high and 5 inches wide, housed in a11.5"H x 10"W. Condition is great and sh...

An excellently painted miniature portrait of a gentleman, rendered by Thomas Richmond in watercolor on organic wafer. The sitter, with powdered hair, is attired in a black coat, matching waistcoat, and a frilled white shirt and stock.

Presented in a gilt metal frame, with printed interior scene on the reverse. The condition is excellent, with strong colors and no issues. Any white specks in the photo are dust motes. The overall size is 2 5/8" by 2".

It should be mentioned that Richmond sign...

A beautiful pair of miniature portraits, both signed Fuger, painted in watercolors on organic material. In addition, the elaborate frames are made out of this same natural material, something rarely, if ever, seen. The sitters, in 18th century attire, are a young gent and lady posed against a blue sky with foliage and hills behind them.

Notes on the backs of the frames provide the following information: "These miniatures were bought by Ellen Franklin in antique shop Bellagio Italy in 1929. ???...

A fine miniature, painted in watercolor on natural material, by George Place. The subject is a rather jowly hazel-eyed fellow in liturgical garb. Housed in its original gold plated case.

The painting is in excellent condition with no issues. The black or white specs in the photo are only in the photograph. Size of the cased painting is 2 3/8" by 2".

NOTE: George Place (c1760 - 1805) was born in Ireland and studied there under F.R. West. By 1791 he was living in London and exhibited at t...

Nothing less than superb would describe the quality of this c1835 American portrait miniature. The artist, as yet to be identified, even went so far as to show the shadow cast on the cheeks of the sitter by the lower rims of the glasses. The sight size is 2 7/8" by 2", with the size of the modern black painted wood frame being 5 1/2" by 5".

This exquisite antique miniature painting, dating back to the latter half of the 19th century, presents a captivating portrayal of the Napoleonic Dutch officers known as the Red Lancers of the Imperial Guard (Lanciers rouges de la Garde impériale). The officers, garbed in their striking red uniforms, are depicted standing alongside their majestic horses at the bivouac. The intricate details of the painting, from the officers' expressions to their regal attire, offer a glimpse into the past and ...

This antique miniature portrait from the 18th century features the Duchess Maria Amalia of Parma, née Archduchess of Austria. The portrait is delicately hand-painted on the mother of pearl and placed behind convex glass. It is mounted in an oval gold gilt frame with a scalloped rim. The frame comes with a suspension loop and bar pin for easy hanging.

The portrait showcases the Duchess wearing a stunning pink dress decorated with lace trimming and bows. She also has an ermine stole, a pin...

A charming pair of portraits of a brother and sister, painted in watercolor on natural material.

The condition of both paintings is excellent, with no issues. The gold case is also without problems. Sight size is 2 1/8" by 1 3/4", and the overall size is 2 3/8" by 1 7/8".

A fine pair of strongly painted miniature portraits done on natural wafer. Based on the technique and the area in which the sitters lived (Cincinnati), a strong attribution to Richard Verbrick can be made.

The woman is finely attired in a black puffy sleeved dress with lace at the collar and a wide black belt. Her jewelry includes a brooch at her neckline and earrings, with a tortoiseshell comb in her hair. The gent is wearing a black coat, white shirt, collar, and ascot.

The condition of th...

A striking miniature portrait by Johann Christian Schoeller. The sitter is a girl child, dressed in purple, with a basket of flowers on her lap and posed in front of a window showing a landscape. Charming and colorful, this is an fine example of Schoeller's work. Presented in a period bronze frame, with an overall size of 3" by 2". The reverse has a label and a backing paper with the artist's name. Excellent condition.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Schoeller (1752 - 1851) was born in Alsace, traine...

A well painted c1800 - 1812 miniature of a British officer. The sitter is wearing the uniform of a major general, with a red tunic, blue lapels and collar, and gold epaulettes and buttons. The miniature is signed lower left, with a somewhat indecipherable calligraphic monogram of "RM"?. Presented in a gilt metal frame with a bevelled blue glass back. Excellent condition, with an overall size of 2 1/2" by 2"

A beautifully drawn miniature on natural organic material portrait painting, attributed to Thomas Hazlehurst. The piece has a somewhat ethereal feel to it, with the sitter, in a gauzy white gown, and wearing a double strand of pearls, gazing rather wistfully at the viewer. The portrait is dated 1805, and while not signed, stylistically it would most likely would have been done either by Hazlehurst or John Barry. However, Barry used a different color palette for shading, and his facial brush stro...

A fine miniature by Charles Dixon, signed "CD" and dated 1750. The subject is a gentleman with his hair tied back, wearing a blue coat, red waistcoat, and black stock. Presented in a gilt metal mount with bracelet clasp, measuring 1 3/8" by 1 1/8".

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Information about Charles Dixon (fl 1748 - 1798) appears to be quite sparse, and there is not even certainty that his first name was Charles since those pieces he signed were done so with "CD". It is known that Benjamin Frankl...

An absolutely charming painting, done in watercolor and gouache on organic wafer, of a male toddler. A label on the reverse states "J.C. Holt/at 1 yr./1831".

Housed in its original gold case, neither the painting or the case have any condition problems at all. The size is 1 3/4" by 1 1/2".

Superb and well rendered painting on porcelain, German in origin and signed by Wagner on the lower right corner, has WR and # 107 engraved in the back on the lower right side. Measurements: The plaque is 4" x 6", housed in a 11" x 13" fine wood frame. Condition Report: Perfect condition.

A truly lovely and engaging portrait miniature, on natural wafer, of a beautiful young woman. The subject, attired in a green velvet dress with a black cape and a white fichu, is seated in front of an orange drapery with a view of a landscape. The framing of this gem is of fine construction, with an inner gold plated frame that is easily removable (and replaced) if a smaller overall size is desired. Both frames are in very fine order.

The condition of the painting is excellent, with bright col...

A charming painting done in watercolor on organic material. The child, identified as E.A. Brown (1845-1850) is portrayed against a pink and blue clouded background, indicative that this is a mourning memento. Paintings of young children are always highly sought after and collected.

The painting is in excellent condition, with no issues. The case is damaged on the back, with a section missing, which does not detract from the desirability of this little gem. The size is 1 5/8" by 1 1/4".

A wonderful portrait miniature of an attractive young woman, painted in watercolor and gouache on organic wafer. The sitter, set against a bluish gray background, has a tortoiseshell comb in her hair and is wearing a black dress with lace at the cuffs and at the neckline. Pearl earrings and gold chains complete her ensemble.

The painting is in excellent condition, with no flaws. The red leather travel case has wear to the inside and outside, is missing the tiny eye the hook clasp goes through,...

A fine watercolor on vellum painting of an aristocratic woman. The sitter, a blue-eyed blonde powder haired woman who is coquettishly toying with a long lock of her hair, is gloriously decked out in a very low cut white gown with a red shawl. The gown is partially held up by a long strand of diamond and gold jewelry with a matching bracelet on her left arm. Farther up that arm the sleeve of the gown is cinched by a diamond and pearl brooch. A pearl bracelet circles her right arm.

A label on p...

A miniature portrait painting by Abraham Parsell, done in his recognizable style with somewhat frizzy hair, and the sitter posed with his arm on a chair. Housed in its original cast foliate frame with a rear aperture containing a lock of hair.

The painting is 2 5/16" by 1 7/8", while the overall locket size is 2 1/2" by 2 1/8". Condition is excellent with no chips, cracks, bowing, paint loss or restoration.

Note: Abraham Parsell (1792 - after 1856), a popular American folk miniature painte...

A fine miniature portrait painting, on natural organic material, done by John Alexander McDougall. The sitter is a distinguished gentleman dressed fashionably in a ruffled blue shirt, light blue vest, and black coat.

The miniature is in excellent condition, with no problems or restoration. The brass case is also without flaws. The photo of the back does appear to have blemishes, but these are label residues. Sight size is 3 1/4" by 2 1/2" .

MacDougall was born in New Jersey in 1810, and pri...

A beautifully painted c1810 miniature of an attractive woman, attributed to Thomas Hargreaves. Clearly well off, and  wearing a white lace bonnet and collar, a black dress, and a chatelaine, the sitter is posed on a red sofa in front of a dusky pale orange drapery. The skill of the artist is evident, even to how he carefully painted the dress material so that it is obvious that the fabric is silk.

Watercolor on organic wafer, the condition is excellent, with a sight size of  3 3/8" by 2...

An excellent example of the work of David Gibson, signed, lower left, "Gibson 1793". The sitter is a woman wearing a gown with low decolletage and a green and yellow hat. She is posed looking pensively to the viewer's left.

The painting is in excellent condition, with no flaws to speak of, and is in a gilt metal pendant case. Sight size is 1 7/8" by 1 3/8", and the case size is 2" by 1 5/8".

NOTE: David Gibson (active 1788 - 1797) worked primarily in London and Edinburgh, with some sojourns ...

A fine pair of miniature portrait paintings, on natural organic material, housed in a 1/6 plate daguerreotype case, which is embossed in a cartouche on the front and back "M.B. Brady Case Maker NY". Cases by Brady are highly desirable and avidly collected.

As to the wonderful portraits, the first is of a bewhiskered gentleman in a black jacket, vest, and stock, and a white pleated shirt. The woman is attired in a black pleated dress with lace edging, and a white lace cap. It is highly probabl...

This is an antique French Napoleonic miniature portrait of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte from the second half of the 19th century. The portrait is finely hand-painted in enamel and is located on the front of a solid silver mirror-slide-locked pendant designed in the shape of an elaborate shield.

This stunning portrait portrays Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in his iconic stance, with his hand in his vest and dressed in his renowned uniform as the Colonel of Chasseurs Cheval de la Garde Imperia.

A nicely painted miniature portrait, on natural organic material, of a pretty young woman in a blue dress with a white fichu. Condition of the painting is excellent, with no problems. The glass in the rear aperture of the case is cracked. Overall size is 2 3/4" by 2 1/4".

A miniature of a beautiful young child who unfortunately passed away in 1798. The theme here is blue and white: in the clouds, in Harriet's eyes, and the ribbon in her hair. In contrast to that are the small areas where red makes its appearance: in the necklace, the child's lips and cheeks, and, to a lesser extent, in her hair.

The reverse of the case is engraved "Harriet Franklyn/B. 9 Oct 1795 D. 31 August 1798/Daughter of/Richard Franklyn/One of the Moneyers/of H. Mint, of Oxgate/Will...

A finely painted watercolor portrait of a good looking gentleman wearing a black jacket and a white shirt, stock and collar. The talented artist specifically painted the entire piece in shades of white, black, and gray. Note the way he used white highlighting on the left collar and shoulder of the sitter to give a sense of depth to the piece.

The back of this work deserves special mention as it is composed of a backing of metal guilloche. (Guilloche is a decorative technique in which a very pr...

Meet Captain William Hathaway, of Brooklyn NY, who passed away in 1834, according to the original section of his obituary, which was found inside the case of the miniature. Please note the gold anchor centered on his ruffled shirt.

The painting is finely done, with no condition issues. Any apparent flaws are due to my poor photographic skills. The in-person brightness is about midway between the first two photos. The cast foliate frame is also in excellent condition, measuring 2 3/8" by 2...

A totally charming miniature painting of a child, done in watercolor on natural material, and housed in an elaborately molded 15K gold case and surround. The cute sitter is in a white gown and posed against a cloud-filled blue sky, with foliage and a tree to the right. The reverse of the case is glazed, with a lock of hair in the aperture, and a pin so that the miniature can be worn as a brooch.

The condition of this lovely example is excellent. Sight size is 2 1/4" by 2 1/8" and the case size...

Antique, 19th century, of superb quality, finely hand-painted on an organic wafer, miniature portrait of a lady wearing an elegant dress.

The painting is signed and illegibly dated (possibly 1889) at her right shoulder. Set under glass in the original oval brass frame adorned with a bow at the top.

The back of the frame is fitted with a hinged easel and is lined with green velvet.

Dimensions of the oval frame with a bow: High: 9.7 cm (3.8 inches). Wide: 7 cm (2.76 inches).

CO...

A wonderful pair of miniature portraits of two young near identical twin boys, painted on organic material. Although it might often be a decent bet that any attractive English portraits of young children done in this time period were by William Egley (joking, sort of) I cannot, in good conscience, make that attribution, so the artist will, at least for now, remain unidentified.

Possibly Scottish, and in excellent condition, each portrait has a sight size of 1 7/8" by 1 1/2". They are mou...

A fine example of an Abraham Parsell watercolor on organic wafer. The sitter, with brown hair and hazel eyes, is dressed in a black coat and cravat and a white shirt with gold stickpin. The background is done in the multi-color style typical of Parsell's work, as is the sketch on the reverse of the wafer.

The 2 3/8" by 2" sight size miniature is housed in a cast foliate case with a glazed lens on the reverse. The condition of the painting is fine, with no cracks, chips, restoration, or bowing....