Circa 1780, a wonderful antique Georgian portrait miniature of a young lady preparing an egg flip. An egg flip was an 18th century drink that was made by combining hot ale, spirits, spices and beaten eggs. A rare subject matter for a miniature painting and a fascinating glimpse into the past!
Hand painted in watercolour it is signed in an indistinct signature at the bottom. The aristocratic looking sitter is portrayed holding a swizzle stick inside an egg. On the table before her is another egg, a jug of hot ale and a bottle of rum or brandy ready to make the drink. This charming domestic scene is likely something she would have never done in real life - having servants to do it for her! She wears a rose pink gown with a pale grey lace collar and cuffs. Her long hair is swept up at the sides and powdered at the temples with dark curls cascading around her shoulders and she wears a pearl tiara. With her pale heart-shaped face and and red cupid-bow lips she truly meets all the Georgian ideals of beauty!
The painting is set behind hand-blown sheet glass (so its slightly irregular and dimpled) in a gilt metal pendant frame with a laurel wreath border. The frame was originally gilded in gold which has mostly worn away to a silvery colour with remnants of the gold finish remaining. The reverse of the pendant is backed in royal-blue velvet.
A gorgeous piece, steeped in wonder and history to explore. Portrait miniatures were used as portable and wearable reminders of loved ones long before the advent of photography and they offer us a fascinating glimpse into the past!
DETAILS:
SIZE: pendant 3-1/2"/9cm tall, 2-1/2"/6cm wide. Portrait approx. 2-3/4"/7cm by 2-1/4"/6cm
WEIGHT: 33.2 grams
DATE: Georgian, circa 1780
CONDITION: in very, very good antique condition with age appropriate surface wear to the pendant frame, the painting is still fresh and clear with no areas of loss noted. Note any white streaks are reflections.
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 and enjoy or give as a gift.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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* All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. All measurements and carat weights given are approximations.
* Our photographs have been taken in extreme close up to show you every tiny detail. This often means that any flaws or damage which you can see on the photos will be invisible when viewed normally with the eye. This can also mean that the item can appear larger on the screen than it is in person, so please be sure to read our written description to double check all sizes and dimensions.
* Buying a gift? – Your item will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note, unless otherwise stated antique boxes in our photos are for display only and are not included in the purchase.
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