19th Century Miniature On Ivory – The Milkmaid After Greuze, Signed Henri Boudier

Henri Boudier (active in the 19th century) The Milkmaid, after Jean-Baptiste Greuze (1725–1805) Hand-painted miniature on ivory, signed H. Boudier lower right Original period frame in perfect condition

In this exquisite 19th-century miniature, Henri Boudier pays homage to the tender, pastoral universe of Jean-Baptiste Greuze, master of sentiment and domestic grace in the 18th century. Painted on ivory with remarkable finesse, The Milkmaid embodies the Enlightenment ideal of rustic beauty, where simplicity becomes virtue and everyday gestures turn into poetry.

The young woman, draped in a diaphanous white veil and dressed in an immaculate gown, is captured in a gentle, introspective pose. Her gaze, slightly averted, seems suspended between reverie and duty—echoing Greuze’s feminine archetypes, both modest and mysteriously eloquent. The celadon-blue background, delicately rendered, enhances the purity of the subject while imbuing the composition with a serene aura.

Boudier’s discreet signature reflects academic mastery and a faithful adherence to the aesthetic codes of sentimental portraiture. The original circular frame with gilt border underscores the precious nature of the piece, likely conceived as a collector’s item or intimate keepsake.

A rare miniature where the elegance of line meets the tenderness of subject—an intimate tribute to Greuze, elevated by Boudier’s quiet virtuosity.

Finely preserved miniature on ivory, presented in its original case and 19th-century attributes.

Dimensions:
Medallion: Height 7.2 cm, Width 6 cm
Frame: Height 13 cm, Width 11 cm