Victorian Hand-Painted Miniature Portrait Pin
with Vermeil & Enamel Bar Pin

This beautifully detailed portrait of an unknown young noblewoman was likely made in the 1800s. Based on the fleur de lis design at her shoulders, I'm guessing French. Or perhaps Austrian, as the style is similar to others made there at that time.

Clearly this was painted by a master with a careful eye, a steady hand, and with the finest of brushes. Look at the texture of her braided hair. The jewels in her crown seem to glisten. The artist even captured the lustre of the pearls around her neck.

The bezel also appears to be handmade.

Note the back of the pin: there is a small, carefully constructed hinged hook as well as a pin bar. With the hinge down, this piece can be pinned directly onto a blouse or jacket. With the hinge up, it can be hung from a bar pin (as shown) or threaded onto a chain and worn as a necklace. (Tell everyone she was your great-great-grandmother, the Duchess of Kirkcaldy who was always smiling and arriving late for tea.)

Or don't wear it at all, and mount it in a small shadow box as a work of art. It's that beautifully painted.

It is neither signed nor stamped so I don't know if it's gold or gold-plate, however based on the quality and delicacy of the piece. it seems to be fine jewelry. This leads me to think it was custom-made for the woman in the painting vs. for sale in a shop.

The gold vermeil and enameled flowered bar pin is likely not orginal to this piece, but I am including as this is how it came to me.

Make me a reasonable offer.

Please note:

All items are one of a kind and will sold on a first come, first served basis.

All items are sold "As Is." Every effort has been made to accurately describe and photograph any flaws and/or damage. No refunds unless there is significant damage which has NOT been noted before selling

Prices are exclusive of shipping and insurance, which will be automatically
calculated upon checkout.

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