Why You’ll Love It
A delicate and deeply evocative relic of the early 19th century, this antique hand-painted portrait miniature is rendered in fine gouache on an exceptionally thin ivory wafer, capturing the soft luminosity and romantic elegance of the Regency era. The subject—a graceful young woman—wears a flowing blue Empire-waist gown with puffed sleeves and a sheer blush pink shawl, her dark hair styled in a classical updo. The wafer itself is astonishingly thin, lending an almost ethereal translucence to the piece, while the subtly unfinished edges suggest it was once intended for an oval locket or brooch setting, adding to its historic charm. Signed (though softened by time), this miniature offers a rare and intimate glimpse into a world where such portraits were treasured as personal keepsakes, tokens of affection, and wearable works of art—perfect for a dollhouse writing desk, displayed on a miniature easel, or tucked into a private dressing room vignette.
Details
Materials: Antique ivory wafer, gouache paint
Scale & Size: 1:12 scale; 2 ⅛” wide x 2 ¾” tall
Condition: Excellent vintage condition
Artist: Artisan signed (signature softened with age)
Collection: Magpie's Nest
Please Note:
This listing includes OOAK antique hand-painted portrait miniature on ivory wafer. Any additional styling accessories shown in photographs are not included.
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 While original retail prices provide an interesting historical reference, they rarely reflect decades of appreciation, the artist's legacy, or the scarcity of surviving examples.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.
