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Lovely Continental portrait miniature of oil on vellum of 18th century young lady wearing a "round gown" of white gauzy material with high frilled v-neck collar which shows her bosom to the top of her rounded neck undergarment low cut.  Undoubtedly, the gown is sashed directly under her bosom.  Over this gown, the lady wears a blue short riding jacket in soft blue with a large pointed lapels, a turned down collar and short sleeves.  She wears her hair long and powdered with a blue bandeau.  The blue color of her outfit enhances her clear blue eyes and creamy complexion.  This lovely lady resides in a gilt metal frame which measures 1 3/4" x 2 1/8" (not including the hanger).  The back has a sawtooth enclosure and might have been housed within a larger frame.  The back is covered with a brocade fabric upon which a paper inscription has been pasted--your guess as to the wording of the inscription is as good as mine.  Condition is excellent.  Circa 1790.

Thanks to the reader who wrote to tell me that this portrait miniature is attributed to Xaver Franz Milz (1765-1833).  I am unfamiliar with this Continental artist but a search on the internet led me to two portrait miniatures which are definitely the same style and one in the same frame.  What I've learned about Milz is the following:  He was born on the border of Austria, Switzerland and Germany in Gemuend.  He studied law, worked for the Austrian and German governments while painting portrait miniatures for enjoyment.  One source says that he painted hundreds of miniatures which he gave as gifts.  His portrait miniatures are considered rare.  The last line of the inscription on the back of the frame does appear to say "Milz".

(#4467)     $650

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