Why You’ll Love It
This unusual one-of-one miniature painting by Paul Saltarelli is signed and inscribed on the reverse: “A Woman Reading A Letter With Still Life By IGMA Artisan Paul Saltarelli after Ambrosius Benson (1532) Limited Edition N 1 of 1. MMVII” (2007). The composition depicts a richly dressed woman seated at a table reading a letter, surrounded by textiles, writing implements, and a vase of flowers. Interestingly, the image appears to be based on Michiel van Musscher’s A Woman Reading a Letter with a Black Attendant (1670), with the attendant replaced by a floral arrangement. That apparent alteration - and the artist’s original attribution - makes this especially intriguing as a singular Saltarelli interpretation.
Perfect for: Historic interiors, formal parlors, studies, writing rooms, art galleries, or collectors of rare Paul Saltarelli miniature paintings.
Details
Materials: Oils on canvas, carved wood frame
Scale & Size: 1:12 scale; 3 ¼” tall x 3” wide
Condition: Excellent vintage condition
Artist: Paul Saltarelli (IGMA Artisan)
Collection: The Maureen Fukushima Collection
Please Note: Listing includes the framed miniature painting only. Furniture, food, vessels, and other accessories shown in the staged photograph 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 While original retail prices provide an interesting historical reference, they rarely reflect decades of appreciation, the artist's legacy, or the scarcity of surviving examples.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.
