Portrait of a French officer

Watercolor and gouache bone or celluloid

19th century

1 1/4 x 1 3/4 in., framed to diam. approx. 2 1/2 in. 

Contemporary or near-contemporary wood frame

A pleasing portrait of a French officer. His blue Hussar-style tunic is buttoned at the top, allowing his white undershirt and cravat to peek under his red collar. The details on his coat are all silver, including the epaulettes that may identify him as a captain. 

It is housed in a frame that almost looks like it could have been the lid to a small bowl or dish. Perhaps this was a keepsake portrait, not unlike a photograph in a locket for a loved one. 

[Art, Fine Art, Portrait Miniature, Paintings, 19th Century, French Revolution, France, Napoleon] 

Crack toward bottom of the frame that runs a third of the way through. Does not affect holding the portrait properly.