A fine French portrait miniature from the 18th century, depicting Marie Antoinette (1755–1793) during her time as Dauphine of France, following her marriage to the French heir to the throne in 1770 and before becoming Queen of France in 1774. The work was executed in watercolours on a natural substrate and depicts Marie Antoinette in her youth, dressed in an elegant light-coloured gown with a wide neckline and sleeves decorated with lace. The sitter's facial features are delicate, her expression is restrained, and her gaze is directed towards the viewer. Her light-coloured hair is arranged in a high and elaborate hairstyle, characteristic of French court fashion in the 1770s, with soft curls falling on both sides of her neck. At the top of the hairstyle, a fabric ornament or decorative headdress can be seen, while decorated fabric hangs behind the figure, giving the portrait a courtly character. The light-coloured gown, decorated with folds and delicate lace, emphasises the sitter's status and the fashion of the French royal court during the second half of the 18th century. The background, in shades of bluish-grey, emphasises the fair flesh tones and the details of the clothing, giving the portrait a soft and harmonious appearance. The Frame – 18-Carat Gold and Seed Pearls The miniature is mounted in an elaborate oval frame, originally described as a solid French gold frame of 18-carat fineness. The frame is surrounded by a closely arranged row of small seed pearls, set within a decorative gold border. According to the original description, the outer pearl-set border is removable and is also made of 18-carat gold. The outer pearl-set border weighs 8.9 grams, while the total weight of the miniature and frame is 31.8 grams. The backplate bearing the inscription is the only part of the ensemble that is not made of gold. A tiny hallmark appears on the side of the frame and is visible in the close-up photograph. According to the original description, it is a hallmark associated with French gold, in the form of an owl. The Inscription on the Reverse – Marie Antoinette Dauphine de France An engraved inscription in French appears on the reverse of the frame: MARIE ANTOINETTE DAUPHINE DE FRANCE "Marie Antoinette, Dauphine of France." The title Dauphine de France was bestowed upon Marie Antoinette following her marriage in 1770 to Louis Auguste, the French heir to the throne, later King Louis XVI. Marie Antoinette held this title until 1774, when her husband ascended the throne and she became Queen of France. Thus, the inscription corresponds to Marie Antoinette's historical status during the years 1770–1774. Historical Background – Marie Antoinette as Dauphine of France Marie Antoinette was born in Vienna in 1755, the daughter of Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Francis I. In 1770, at the age of fourteen, she married the French heir to the throne, Louis Auguste, as part of the political alliance between the Austrian House of Habsburg and the French House of Bourbon. Following her marriage, she moved to the royal court at Versailles and held the title Dauphine de France. During these years, Marie Antoinette became a prominent figure in French court life, and her portraits were circulated in paintings, miniatures, and engravings. Portraits of this kind served to present the image of the young princess and strengthen her position at the royal court. In 1774, following the death of Louis XV and the accession of Louis XVI to the throne, Marie Antoinette became Queen of France. Artistic Background – Miniature Portrait Painting at the French Royal Court During the second half of the 18th century, France was one of the most important centres in Europe for miniature portrait painting. Miniatures of members of the royal family and the aristocracy were commissioned as personal objects, diplomatic gifts, and keepsakes of social and political significance. Among the portrait and miniature painters active in France during this period were François-Hubert Drouais (1727–1775), Jean-Baptiste Jacques Augustin (1759–1832), and Jean-Baptiste Isabey (1767–1855), who worked during different periods of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The present miniature reflects visual characteristics of the French court portrait tradition, particularly in the high hairstyle, elaborate clothing, and manner in which the sitter is depicted. Artistic and Collecting Significance The miniature combines several characteristics of artistic and historical interest: a portrait of Marie Antoinette during her time as Dauphine of France, a gold frame described as 18-carat gold, seed pearl decoration, an engraved inscription on the reverse, and a metal hallmark on the side of the frame. The combination of the royal sitter, the historical title appearing in the inscription, and the elaborate jewellery frame gives the object special collecting interest. **Sitter:** Marie Antoinette (1755–1793), Dauphine de France **Artist:** Unknown, French School **Estimated Date:** Circa 1770–1774, according to the original description and the inscription on the reverse **Period:** 18th century, reign of Louis XV **Country of Origin:** France **Genre:** Royal Portrait Miniature **Technique:** Watercolours on a natural substrate **Dimensions:** Approximately 5.1 × 6.7 cm **Frame:** 18-carat gold **Decoration:** Seed pearls in a removable outer border **Weight of the Pearl-Set Border:** 8.9 grams **Total Weight:** 31.8 grams **Reverse:** Metal backplate bearing an engraved inscription **Inscription:** MARIE ANTOINETTE DAUPHINE DE FRANCE **Hallmark:** Tiny owl-shaped metal hallmark on the side of the frame **Provenance:** Private Collection
Auction 02: Rare 18th–19th Century Portrait Miniatures & Mourning Jewellery — Melis Antiques & Art