The Three Graces is pleased to present a remarkable and historical miniature portrait with hair work reverse.
In the image of the renowned Lady Mary Wortley Montague (nee Pierrepont) comes this museum-worthy treasure. Arrayed in her Ottoman finery, she is depicted replete with an elaborate turban hung with an impressive pearl, an exotic costume, pearl earrings, and an enviable strand of pearls.
Of the highest order, the quality of the hand painting is unmistakable and evident. A palette of muted sienna, numbers, warm grays, skin tones, and rich cool Agean blues was utilized. Her brown eyes gaze left.
A lavish frame of silver, studded with rose-cut diamonds, is punctuated by four roundels of cobalt blue enamel. These too are topped with crimped collet set rose cut diamonds.
To the reverse, a breathtaking miniature is composed of an artfully arranged plume of hair (likely her own). An oval of blue glass serves as the base for the initial "P" demarcated in an elaborate script, signifying her maiden name. There is surrounded by teeny tiny pearls (some likely glass or similar).
Braided wire and twisted hair in undulating forms are placed at the bottom. To the outer edges, these are shaped into stalks, possibly in a wheat motif.
All the is arranged atop a pearlized, opalescent glass patterned with a burst of rays from its center. Glazed with glass, the frame is engraved with rose gold.
In a setting of primarily silver, a gold fold-up and down ring are original, as is a later gold brooch fitting and bases. This can be worn (albeit this is a larger miniature) suspended on a chain or as a brooch. It is perfect for a cabinet display or hung on the wall.
Comes with an 18th century Moroccan red leather case, with cream silk interior and "C" hook closure. Rare and fine.
Historical Notes:
Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (nee Pierrepont) lived was born May 15, 1689 and passed on August 21, 1762. Famed as a remarkable woman of her time, she was an English aristocrat, poet, and writer as well as an advocate for women's rights.
Married in 1712 to Edward Wortley Montagu, he later served as the British ambassador to the Sublime Porte. Her travel writings are exceptional as she accompanied her spouse through the Ottoman Empire for a period of two years.
Her writings include the book, "Turkish Embassy Letters", first published after her death in 1763. Anonymously she wrote a periodical " Nonsense of Common-Sense", in support of the Robert Walpole government.
Many others have written about her, and her poetry is also in print.
An advocate on many levels, she championed smallpox inoculations in Britain. Much is written about her, her life, and her writings. To note even a small fraction is beyond the scope of these highlights.
Please also research her other portraits and those inspired by her, often with similar exotic dress.
