Pair of Miniature Portrait Paintings

Appreciated for their small scale and delicate artistry, miniature portraits and landscape paintings have been popular in Europe since the 17th century, thought to originate from the tradition of illuminated manuscripts. Hand-painted on celluloid in the late 19th century, this pair of companion miniature portraits depicts Cacilia Bonaparte and Jérôme Bonaparte, the youngest brother of Napoleon I. The oval portraits are set behind domed glass and encased within rectangular frames veneered with imitation ivory.

Signed Lereaux and titled on the reverse 'Jerome Bonaparte and Cacilia Bonaparte.'

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.

Minor losses to faux-tortoiseshell veneer.