A spectacular Georgian miniature. The scale and weight of this thing! The fact it’s framed as if it were a full size art work - in a square frame. A super unusual shape for a miniature. And the quality of that frame…. It’s stunningly good. High carat gold, rich and warm, beautifully chased. A mini twin version of the frame holds a bevelled glass locket (empty of hair) to the reverse. The pin is curved to follow the shape of the large expanse of gold to the back. It weighs 42 grams. The miniature is signed by an artist of repute, B Herbelin. The woman depicted has styled herself à la Turque - very much the fashion in the latter half of the 18th century. Her head wrap (from which her tumbling glossy curls somewhat artfully escape) displays a multitude of bright colours. It’s bold shades contrast in such a cool way with the purple sheen shine of her dress. A black silk cord loops around her neck, it’s pendant slipped casually and secretively inside her bodice. And then there’s her smile. Her teeth have even been painted! It’s a true smile.