Antique Early–Mid 19th Century Portrait Miniature in Ornate Gilt Frame Mourning For Sale

Antique Early–Mid 19th Century Portrait Miniature in Ornate Gilt Frame with Mourning Window

Description:

A finely painted antique portrait miniature dating to the early–mid 19th century (circa 1830s–1840s), based on costume and bonnet style. The subject depicts a woman wearing a lace-trimmed bonnet with blue ribbon ties and floral accents, paired with a dark dress and white lace collar—consistent with mourning or daywear of the period.

The miniature is housed in an ornate gilt metal frame with detailed repoussé decoration and an original suspension loop. The reverse features a mourning window, now empty, with no glass and no hair present, which is not uncommon. The interior retains its original textured metal surround and backing paper, showing age-appropriate wear.

The portrait itself appears to be painted on unknown material (exact medium undetermined). Brushwork and palette are consistent with hand-painted miniatures of the period.

Measurements:

• Approximately 3 inches tall x 2 inches wide (excluding loop)

Condition:

• Portrait: Good antique condition with age-related surface wear and softening typical of early miniatures

• Frame: Original, with wear and patina consistent with age

• Mourning window: Present, empty, no glass, no hair

• Please review all photos carefully for condition details

Notes:

This is a genuine antique miniature, not a modern reproduction. Empty mourning compartments are frequently encountered, as contents were often removed or lost over time.

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Suggested Price

For this piece, given:

• Early–mid 19th century dating

• Genuine hand-painted miniature

• Ornate original frame

• Mourning window present but empty

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