Antique 19th C European Signed Portrait Miniature Painting Lady Ornate Frame

Beautiful antique European portrait miniature in an ornate engraved frame, featuring an oval portrait of an elegant Regency/Empire-style lady beneath convex glass.

The unusual rectangular frame is constructed with individually fitted creamy white panels accented by delicate black linework and ornate scrolling corner decoration. An oval brass-tone inner bezel with repeating classical decoration surrounds the portrait, giving the piece a wonderful early European decorative-art appearance.

Size with frame: 4.5 x 5.5” inches

The reverse is especially interesting and retains an old German-language printed paper backing, apparently repurposed from an earlier printed document or publication. The number “1758” is visible on the backing along with German text. This is an intriguing part of the object’s history, although it should not be interpreted as a confirmed date of manufacture for the frame itself.

The portrait depicts a young woman in a white Empire/Regency-style dress with curled hair, ribbon or scarf and delicate jewelry. The exact identity of the sitter and artist are unknown. It has not been removed from the frame for further examination.

Likely European, possibly German or Central European based upon the surviving German-language backing. Exact maker and date are unknown.

Purchased from an antique store in the Netherlands

Condition: Antique condition with age-related wear, surface marks, discoloration and small separations/irregularities among some of the frame panels (pictured). The convex glass has minor surface wear. The old paper backing shows considerable age toning and wear. Please review all photographs closely for condition.

A beautiful decorative piece for a collection of European portrait miniatures, antique frames, Grand Tour decor, Regency-style portraits, Victorian decorative arts or historic European interiors.