Antique French Children's Portraits

“The face is the mirror of the mind, and eyes without speaking confess the secrets of the heart.” ~ St. Jerome

Straight from the Paris markets, these original Antique French Children's Portraits capture the romance and beauty of 19th century France. Exquisitely hand-painted with fine details, each portrait is set within a magnificent frame. Though the identities of these little sitters have been lost to time, the portraits retain the deeply personal quality for which miniatures have long been treasured. 

In a time before photography, miniature portraits were a treasured keepsake, often passing through families for generations. Diminutive portraits of children - intimate, highly detailed paintings on thin ivory wafers, vellum or card - flourished beginning in the late 18th century, particularly among the nobility and landed gentry. Serving as personal keepsakes before the rise of photography, these portable "gem-size" artworks captured the likeness of a child at a fixed moment in time or commemorated those that may have been lost during eras of profound political upheaval.

The exquisite miniature of a young girl with loose brown waves was faithfully executed in the unmistakable style of Renoir. With sweet tones and bright blue eyes, the school-aged child is undoubtedly styled in her best dress, complete with one jaunty blue ribbon in her hair and one at her collar. Surrounded by an intricate original frame, the effect is one of a mini masterpiece sure to bring lightness and charm to any setting. Yet even more petite nestled within its handsome round frame, a young boy with tousled locks seems to emerge as if to gaze at the viewer. With starched white shirt and formal coat, his earnest eyes capture the unrestrained joy of childhood.

Whether displayed upon a gallery wall, tucked among favorite objects, or given a place of honor as a focal point, these petite works of art from a bygone era are beautiful reminders of the enduring human desire to bring to mind the faces we love. Sure to bring depth and romance to any setting, these memorable portraits promise to remain a poignant touchstone to lives otherwise lost to history.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. Portraits in very good antique condition. Frame A in good antique condition with signs of age as seen in the alternate images. Frame B in very good antique condition. Please choose specific portrait from the drop-down menu. Portrait A measures 7.75"L x 7"W x 1.75"D. Portrait B measures4.5" in diameter x 3/4"D.