Why You’ll Love It
This enchanting oil painting by celebrated miniature artist Betsey Bradley recreates William-Adolphe Bouguereau's beloved The Story Book (Le Livre de Contes) of 1877 in exquisite 1:12 scale. A young golden-haired girl pauses thoughtfully over an ornate storybook, her luminous complexion and gentle expression beautifully rendered in the soft, academic style that made Bouguereau one of the most admired painters of the nineteenth century. Bradley masterfully captures the warmth, innocence, and quiet wonder of childhood, while the distressed gold-leaf wood frame lends the piece the appearance of a treasured heirloom. This refined miniature is perfect for collectors of fine art, portraiture, and elegant European interiors. Display it in a nursery, library, drawing room, or gallery wall filled with classical paintings and cherished books.
Details
Materials: Oil painting, wood frame
Scale & Size: 1:12 scale; 2 ½” tall x 2 ⅛” wide
Condition: Excellent vintage condition
Artist: Betsey Bradley
Collection: The Maureen Fukushima Collection
Please Note: This listing includes the framed painting shown in the photographs. only. Other accessories and dolls shown are for staging purposes.
A Note About Value
Every miniature we offer has been carefully evaluated for its craftsmanship, rarity, condition, provenance, and collectibility. Many of the artisan pieces we sell are one-of-a-kind works that may never appear on the market again. While original retail prices provide an interesting historical reference, they rarely reflect decades of appreciation, the artist's legacy, or the scarcity of surviving examples.
Our pricing reflects the miniature's place within today's collector market and the years we've spent studying the artists, histories, and values that make these tiny works of art so special.
A Commitment to Research
Every miniature has a story, and uncovering it is one of our greatest passions. We carefully research each piece, but unsigned or illegible works can remain mysteries. If you can identify an artist or provide additional information, we'd be delighted to hear from you and will gladly update the listing to preserve their legacy.
