An exquisite 18th century Georgian portrait miniature set into a gold gilded locket pendant. This beautiful portrait is superbly painted in watercolour on vellum, it is signed by the artist and although slightly obscured looks to be dated 1767. The artists signature is difficult to decipher and we think it is either 'Has' or 'HV' with the 'V' resembling a pair of rams horns.
The bust length portrait depicts a very attractive young woman against a pale pinkish grey background. She wears a misty grey gown trimmed in white lace and pearls along her décolletage. A grey and white lace cap decorated in pearls sits on her head with it's attached ribbon trailing over her left shoulder. She also wears a lace choker necklace that has a pearl drop. Her dark hair is braided and swept up and she is wearing a pearl drop earring that matches her choker.
This is a quite a small portrait miniature compared to the sizes you typically see. It is set into a silver bezel and fully enclosed in a beautiful gold gilt locket style pendant which has a generously sized ornate bale. It has a thick convex glass cover on the front protecting the precious portrait inside. We have added a new gold plated sterling silver Italian Belcher chain for immediate wear but you could wear this piece on almost any style of chain.
Steeped in history we can't help but wonder about the origins of this poignantly intimate and portable piece. Portrait miniatures usually began their lives having been commissioned by (or directly bestowed upon) a person who was loved or honoured by the sitter which makes every single one a true record of relationships!
A perfect addition to your antique jewellery collection this gorgeous Georgian portrait miniature locket is delightfully petite and eminently wearable!
MATERIALS: gilt (gold plated sterling silver)
MEASUREMENTS: 1-3/4" (4.5cm) high including bail, 1-1/4" (3cm) wide. Chain 18" (46cm)
WEIGHT: 9.6 grams
DATE: Georgian, circa 1760
MARKS: portrait signed & dated over the sitters left shoulder, metal not marked
CONDITION: overall in excellent antique condition, the painting is still clearly visible with no noted areas of damage. As to be expected in a piece this age the pendant itself has light surface wear and slight tarnish on the metal and there are some surface scratches on the glass but no chips or cracks.
At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. All of our pieces are professionally cleaned and polished so they are ready to wear or give as a gift. We offer free worldwide shipping and a no quibble money back guarantee.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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RETURNS - you can return your item for a full refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order if you wish to do so.
DISCOUNT? - find special discount and no sales tax on our website at www.mercymadge.com
BUYING A GIFT? – all items will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Unless otherwise stated antique boxes in our photos are for staging and are not included in purchase.
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