Studio RT Ltd

Description

Please note that any white marks on the frame in the photographs is caused by light reflecting off the lacquer.

We are delighted to offer for sale this beautifully executed watercolour miniature of a young girl, who, according to the auction house is purported to be a member of German royalty by the vendor. She is wearing a navy blue sailor suit with white stripes to the collar and the white top beneath it bears an anchor motif in red. She has a white bow in her long blonde hair and has blue eyes. The portrait is unsigned.

Having done some research on the internet, it would appear that it was the fashion among the German royalty to dress their children, both boys and girls in sailor suits, as did the Russian royal family on occasion. However, we have found two little girls that this miniature bears a great resemblance to and that is Duchess Cecilie of Mecklenberg-~Schwerin 1886-1954, later Crown Princess of Prussia, and Princess Victoria Louise of Prussia (Viktoria Luise) 1882-1980. The latter girl we found a hand coloured photograph of wearing a sailor suit, at a slightly older age, but she had a fringe, whereas Cecilie did not, but there are less photographs of her as a child. Obviously we cannot confirm that this miniature is a picture of either of them, as there is no indication of the sitter, but the resemblance is striking.

The miniature is framed in a black lacquered rectangular frame with a brass surround and brass hanging ring decorated with oak leaves and an acorn. The hinged back can be opened.

Image size: 4" x 3" - 10.15cm x 7.5cn

Frame size excluding hanging ring: 6 3/4" x 5 5/8" - 17cm x 14.25cm

Medium: Watercolours with gum arabic on milk glass.

Condition: Very good. The miniature is unfaded and there is no paint loss. The frame has some wear to the edges and corners consistent with age and the glass is original.