This exquisite miniature portrait is hand-painted on ivory, a prized and luminous medium used by European artists for centuries to create detailed, lifelike portraits. Set within an ornate, carved giltwood Italian frame measuring 7.5” x 8.25”, the portrait likely dates to the late 19th century and bears the signature “Gaset”, indicating a skilled but lesser-known artist working in the academic style of the era. The subject—a finely dressed woman with a serene expression and exposed décolletage—is characteristic of historical revival miniatures, possibly modeled after 17th-century courtly figures such as a muse, noblewoman, or even a romanticized depiction of a historical icon like Madame de Montespan or Marie Mancini, mistresses and muses to Louis XIV. Miniatures like this were collected as tokens of affection, remembrance, or status, and the use of ivory adds rarity and refinement. In very good condition with only minor wear to the frame, this piece holds both artistic and historical charm. Estimated retail value: $600–$1,200, depending on provenance and market demand.
