Antique 18th Century French Revolution Era Portrait Miniature, Profile of a Young Man
There is much to make me think this young man is a member of the c.1795-99 fashion political group, the Incroyables. A post-Revolutionary protester, Royalist or noble class who dressed in outlandish (in the time) colors and structured high collar waist coats, embroidered or colorful vests and their hair was worn in 'dog ears' at the side like this young man has, sometimes with long pony tail, as well. The draping of a red sash or scarf is indicative and iconographical for the flow of blood of Royals, or perhaps a Noble class parent or grandparent. One other detail helps affirm it: That extra thick wrapped cravat at his neck, again symbolism relating to those who lost their heads at the guillotine in the decade before. Wealthy youth of the royal and ruling class so recently deposed and often exiled from France, this seemed to be a movement mostly centered in Paris. One of my favorite subjects or periods for Portrait miniatures, really, quite often in high karat gold mounts or frames. Th