19th Century Hand Painted Antique Portrait Miniature Continental European
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:3845778 | Subject: Portrait |
| Listed By: Dealer or Reseller | Date of Creation: 1800-1899 |
| Features: Framed | Style: Miniature |
| Size: Mini (up to 6in.) |
LOW STARTING BID FOR A HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE ANTIQUE. (But don't take my word for it. Do your own search for antique hand-painted portrait miniatures here on eBay and compare my starting bids.)Up for auction is a beautiful 19th century hand-painted watercolor and gouache Continental School (European) portrait miniature of Gräfin (Countess) Zofia Potocka.This portrait miniature was acquired from the estate of a German collector.The frame measures 5 ½ inches tall by 4 ...¾ inches wide.The portrait is illegibly signed on the right side.The back is covered in paper, possibly from a newspaper or page from a book, and has old-style German font printed on the paper.The portrait is protected by slightly convex glass and has an etched oval bronze bezel around it. It has a small ring at top for wall mounting.
Zofia Potocka née Clavone (1760-1822) was a Greek courtesan and later a Polish noble. She was famous in contemporary Europe for her beauty and adventurous life. Compatriots of her time wrote: "She was beautiful as a dream, a child of southern countries. All those who have seen her admire her beauty, igniting a fire in the hearts of men and envy in the eyes of women."
**Please be sure to read my payment and shipping terms prior to bidding. Thank you!**
PLEASE NOTE: I sell antique and vintage pieces, and, as is normal, they show some signs of age and wear. That is part of their charm! Please examine all photos, as they are considered part of the description. This portrait miniature is in good condition, considering its age, but it does shows signs of wear. Upon close inspection you can see some damage to the painting on the right side (in her hair and a small portion of the background). I’m guessing this is heat damage, which can cause paint to bubble. I have not removed the portrait from its frame to inspect closer, just in case the paint is also stuck to the glass. I have no idea if it is or not, but I would not want to cause further, possibly irreparable damage, to this antique. As it stands right now, the portrait is still lovely to look at, and would be a wonderful addition to anyone's collection. The details are still very nice, and the color is still wonderfully vivid. The frame is in excellent condition with no damage. IMPORTANT: This description is based on our opinions and experience. We do not accept returns on vintage pieces /antiques such as this, so, after reading the description and examining the photos carefully, please contact me to ask questions or request more information PRIOR to bidding. Otherwise, we assume you concur with our assessment and description of the item. Thank you. SHIPPING: This item will ship via USPS in a Small Flat Rate Box. One portrait miniature per box on this particular auction, to allow ample space for proper packaging materials. If you buy more than one miniature, I will need to pack in a Medium Flat Rate Box, and will need to recalculate shipping for you. Thanks.PLEASE NOTE: I combine shipping WHEN POSSIBLE. Sometimes, due to the delicate nature of antiques, I am unable to ship certain items together. If you intend to bid on more than one auction and are hoping to combine shipping, please contact me BEFORE BIDDING to see if it’s possible. Thank you. PAYMENT TERMS -- VERY IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ: PayPal payment is due within two (2) days of auction end. That means if my auction ends on Sunday, you have Monday and Tuesday to pay.If you have special circumstances and need more time to pay, please contact me PRIOR TO BIDDING to discuss. For instance, if my auction ends on the 11th of the month, but you don’t get paid until the 15th and need to wait, that’s fine, BUT CONTACT ME to discuss. You will find I am very understanding, but COMMUNICATION IS KEY. NOTE: If you win an auction of mine, but do not send payment and choose to ignore invoices and messages, I will exercise my right as a seller to resolve the issue through ebay’s official channels. I REALLY dislike doing this, so please just communicate with me. Thanks.Have a lovely day!
Zofia Potocka née Clavone (1760-1822) was a Greek courtesan and later a Polish noble. She was famous in contemporary Europe for her beauty and adventurous life. Compatriots of her time wrote: "She was beautiful as a dream, a child of southern countries. All those who have seen her admire her beauty, igniting a fire in the hearts of men and envy in the eyes of women."
**Please be sure to read my payment and shipping terms prior to bidding. Thank you!**
PLEASE NOTE: I sell antique and vintage pieces, and, as is normal, they show some signs of age and wear. That is part of their charm! Please examine all photos, as they are considered part of the description. This portrait miniature is in good condition, considering its age, but it does shows signs of wear. Upon close inspection you can see some damage to the painting on the right side (in her hair and a small portion of the background). I’m guessing this is heat damage, which can cause paint to bubble. I have not removed the portrait from its frame to inspect closer, just in case the paint is also stuck to the glass. I have no idea if it is or not, but I would not want to cause further, possibly irreparable damage, to this antique. As it stands right now, the portrait is still lovely to look at, and would be a wonderful addition to anyone's collection. The details are still very nice, and the color is still wonderfully vivid. The frame is in excellent condition with no damage. IMPORTANT: This description is based on our opinions and experience. We do not accept returns on vintage pieces /antiques such as this, so, after reading the description and examining the photos carefully, please contact me to ask questions or request more information PRIOR to bidding. Otherwise, we assume you concur with our assessment and description of the item. Thank you. SHIPPING: This item will ship via USPS in a Small Flat Rate Box. One portrait miniature per box on this particular auction, to allow ample space for proper packaging materials. If you buy more than one miniature, I will need to pack in a Medium Flat Rate Box, and will need to recalculate shipping for you. Thanks.PLEASE NOTE: I combine shipping WHEN POSSIBLE. Sometimes, due to the delicate nature of antiques, I am unable to ship certain items together. If you intend to bid on more than one auction and are hoping to combine shipping, please contact me BEFORE BIDDING to see if it’s possible. Thank you. PAYMENT TERMS -- VERY IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ: PayPal payment is due within two (2) days of auction end. That means if my auction ends on Sunday, you have Monday and Tuesday to pay.If you have special circumstances and need more time to pay, please contact me PRIOR TO BIDDING to discuss. For instance, if my auction ends on the 11th of the month, but you don’t get paid until the 15th and need to wait, that’s fine, BUT CONTACT ME to discuss. You will find I am very understanding, but COMMUNICATION IS KEY. NOTE: If you win an auction of mine, but do not send payment and choose to ignore invoices and messages, I will exercise my right as a seller to resolve the issue through ebay’s official channels. I REALLY dislike doing this, so please just communicate with me. Thanks.Have a lovely day!
