Featured The Queen in Miniature

Hey all:

I believe that this is a miniature portrait on porcelain of Queen Louise of Prussia. The original was a full length portrait by Richter in the 19th Century, which was adapted by an artist named Wagner as a miniature. Queen Louise was a beloved figure; women's societies were founded in her name in German-speaking areas almost a hundred years after her premature death in 1810. I am not able to discern a signature on this, although it may be covered by the frame. I don't want to take it apart to look.

I think that this frame is Rococo Revival ca. 1880, covered in gilt paint. The frame and portrait are supported easel-style by a forked piece of wood, held on with period flat-head screws. The painting is on porcelain and seems to glow.

My guess is that this miniature portrait was sold as a souvenir in Paris for those on the Grand Tour. Souvenirs of all types, including miniature portraits, were sold to those wealthy enough to go on the Grand Tour of France and Italy, which would frequently last a full year. Lucky them!

I think that this would retail in the neighborhood of $400-$500 U.S., not that I want to sell it.

Cheers!!

 

I see painted copies of this figure used quite frequently in jewellery (because sellers often mis-ID miniatures as cameos) & home decor items, such as yours. I either did not know, or had forgotten, that she is Queen Louise, so thanks for that ID. I think we may have IDed her before, or perhaps it was another famous beauty, in a previous thread or two. What makes you place such a high value on it?

This is yours?

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-...-porcelain-of-queen-louise-o-197-c-41cb6320c3

 

1879. In the Wallraf Richartz Museum, Cologne.

Debora

 

@Bronwen
Yes, thats mine. The auctioneer and I reckoned that the estimated price was low, and that I got a great bargain. We came to that conclusion based on size, age, elaboration of the presentation, and condition. But we could be wrong.

 

Beautiful lady but her eyes look wonky to me...?

 

She is lovely. The queen's nickname in German is "Die Schöne Luise", The Beautiful Luise". Luise is her real name.

First thing I noticed. Could be due to the fact that it is a miniature, the original doesn't have that.

 

Well, one could take the back off and the porcelain "cameo" out. It could be marked on the back or signed on the front. Gotta say, though, that particular portrait featured on a lot of porcelain bits and jewellery. She is lovely. The porcelain is quite likely German. What is the diameter? I love the frame.

 

I have a similar portrait miniature of her on ivory in a piano key frame...somewhere. I bet she never imagined we would be looking at her image 200+ years after her death