Signed Gouache Miniature By Zéphirin Belliard – Portrait Of Empress Joséphine – 19th Century

A charming oval miniature depicting Empress Joséphine de Beauharnais, shown in a bust portrait, her face gently turned toward the viewer.

The Empress is depicted in a lavish court gown, wearing a finely crafted white veil and an elegant tiara set with green stones and pearls. She is also adorned with earrings and a matching necklace, while her dress in shades of ivory and orange is embellished with delicate gold motifs.

The painter’s work is distinguished by the finesse of the facial modeling, the gentleness of the expression, and the care taken in rendering the fabrics and jewelry. The luminous highlights accentuating the veil, the pearls, and the gemstones lend the composition depth and a sense of preciousness.

The miniature is signed “Z. Belliard” in the lower right corner, a signature attributable to Zéphirin Félix Jean Marius Belliard (1798–1871), a French miniaturist and lithographer known for his portraits and depictions of historical figures.

This depiction of Joséphine, wearing a veil and a tiara, is typical of the representations prevalent during the first half of the 19th century.

The work is set in its substantial antique frame of gilded wood and gilded composition, rectangular in shape with an oval opening, adorned at the corners with palmette and foliage motifs. The frame features a beautiful antique patina as well as wear and minor losses consistent with its age.

Good overall condition, with minor signs of wear and age-related changes visible in the photographs. The antique frame shows wear, scuffing, and minor losses of gilding.

A high-quality, particularly decorative piece that combines the charm of 19th-century French miniatures with the enduring appeal of Napoleonic iconography.

Shipping: 18 euros within France, 35 euros within the EU, and 100 euros to the rest of the world.