Portrait Of A Lady With A Tiara, Restoration Period Miniature Signed Chaponnier, Dated 1821

Portrait of a Lady with a Tiara, Restoration Period Miniature Signed Chaponnier, 1821

Elegant oval miniature depicting a young lady of high society, signed Chaponnier and dated 1821. Preserved in its original gilt brass mount, it is a refined example of French miniature portraiture from the Restoration period.

The sitter wears a white dress with a wide neckline, complemented by a light blue shawl and a red sash tied beneath the bust. Her hairstyle, with a central parting and soft ringlets framing the face, is adorned with a tiara matching her pendant earrings and double necklace set with blue stones. Together, these details faithfully reflect French fashion of the early Restoration, around 1820, offering an interesting record of the taste and elegance of the aristocracy and upper bourgeoisie of the period.

The miniature is signed Chaponnier and can be identified as the work of Alexandre Chaponnier (1793–1852), known as Polyanthe, a Parisian artist who was active as a miniaturist, engraver, physician and playwright. The son of the Genevan engraver Alexandre Chaponnier (1753–1806), he continued his family’s artistic tradition while developing a successful career as a portrait miniaturist. At the Paris Salon of 1817, he exhibited several miniature portraits under the signature “Chaponnier Fils”, receiving official recognition within the French artistic establishment. Miniatures securely attributed to him are rare and are mainly dated between 1815 and 1821, making this signed and dated example of particular interest.

The delicate modelling of the complexion, the refined treatment of the fabrics and the meticulous rendering of the jewellery demonstrate the artist’s accomplished technique and close attention to detail.

In good overall condition, with minor signs of age consistent with its period. Original mount.

Dimensions: 7 × 5.5 cm.