French miniature of Louis XVI period, late 18th century

French miniature from the Louis XVI period, late 18th century.
"Lady dressed as a classical Venus".
Gouache on vellum.
Signed.
Size: 8,3 x 7 cm; 15 x 13,5 cm (frame).
This miniature of French school represents a young lady dressed as a classical Venus. The delicacy of the composition lies not only in the fine face of the protagonist, but also in the crown of roses that covers her hair and the pearl necklace that she wears around her neck. Miniature painting, particularly portrait painting, developed in Europe from the 16th century onwards. They were mainly paintings that were embedded in objects such as medallions, table clocks or small boxes. They were executed in a wide variety of techniques, such as oil on copper, pewter or ivory, gouaches on parchment or card and, from the 18th century, watercolour on ivory. This delicate art was gradually lost from the second half of the 19th century, in parallel with the development of photography.