19th century French miniature

French miniature of the XIX century.
"Bust of a gentleman".
Gouache on vellum of circular format.
It has slight flaws in the painting.
Measurements: 7 cm (diameter); 13 x 13 cm (frame).

The miniature portraits were developed in Europe from the XVI century. They consisted of small paintings embedded in objects such as medallions, table clocks or small boxes. The frame of these portraits was usually oval or circular. They were made in a great variety of techniques, such as oil on copper, tin or ivory, gouaches on parchment or cardboard and, since the 18th century, watercolor on ivory. This delicate art will be lost since the second half of the 19th century, in parallel to the development of photography.