Antique 19th C French Portrait Miniature Painting Signed CB Georgian Gentleman For Sale

This is an exceptional, exquisitely detailed early 19th-century portrait miniature painting, dating precisely to the first quarter of the 1800s (circa 1815–1825). The piece features a remarkably rendered portrait of a handsome young gentleman of French descent from the French Restoration or Late Empire era. The artist’s masterful stippled technique is showcased beautifully against a richly textured slate-blue background, complete with a crisp, authentic artist monogram \"C.B.F.\" meticulously painted into the left field.

This heirloom piece features an illustrious regional provenance, sourced directly from the prominent Susan Kearney estate of Duxbury, Massachusetts.

Technical Specifications-

• Medium & Substrate: Finely executed watercolor and gouache on a delicate, authentic organic wafer.

• Artist Monogram: Signed \"C.B.F.\" in the left field.

• Estimated Era: Late Empire / French Restoration period (circa 1815–1825).

• Subject Attribution: French gentleman showcasing the iconic Coiffure à la Titus textured haircut and a high M-notch velvet-collared rust woolen coat.

• Miniature Dimensions: Measures 2 3/8 inches wide by 2 7/16 inches high.

• Overall Framed Dimensions: Measures 4 1/8 inches in diameter by 3/4 of an inch thick.

• Framing Style: Housed in a handsome late 19th-century ebonized circular frame equipped with a top loop for wall suspension.

Condition & Handling Report-

This antique masterpiece has been thoroughly inspected out of its frame and is presented with full transparency. Please review the high-resolution imagery to verify the following condition details:

• Wafer Integrity: The delicate organic wafer exhibits an expected, slight natural curl when removed from the housing, which is an excellent indicator of age and authenticity as the thin organic material naturally reacts to atmospheric changes over two centuries.

• Substrate Flaws: There is a minor, stable pinhole puncture visible near the upper right perimeter, along with superficial edge wear where it historically interacted with prior framing mounts. The wafer sits comfortably and safely within its current frame with absolutely no risk of snapping or structural stress.

• Surface: A tiny, localized historic discoloration spot is present directly beneath the subject’s right sideburn. The paint layer itself remains entirely stable with excellent color retention and no active flaking.

• Frame & Backboard Advisory: The late 1800s presentation frame securely holds the miniature; however, the reverse backing board is currently missing one securing brad/nail. While the assembly is stable for standard display, the buyer is strongly advised to exercise caution when unpacking and handling the item upon arrival to prevent any accidental shifting before a matching nail is permanently applied.

Provenance & Complementary Listings

This miniature was acquired as part of the historic Susan Kearney estate in historic Duxbury, Massachusetts.

A Note Collectors: I am currently have a companion piece listed from the exact same estate—a stunning Napoleonic Officer portrait miniature executed on identical organic material and housed in an age-appropriate period frame. If you are looking to build or expand a collection with impeccable shared provenance, please feel free to view my other listings to see this exquisite French military piece. Combined shipping is offered to accommodate multiple purchases.

Please review all photos provided for references and as part of the overall item description. If you have any questions or would like more photos feel free to reach out. Thanks for looking!!!