A portrait miniature of a gentleman
Wearing a blue coat and white ruff
On ivory
In a split pearl-set fausse-montre frame with blue
guilloche enamel and diamond set back
Approximate portrait dimensions 5.5cm x 4.3cm
Overall dimensions of frame including suspension loop 8.2cm x 5.2cm
Estimate: | £2,000 - £4,000 |
Hammer price: | £3,800 |
Provenance: Hylda and Lewis Gilbert, Sheldrake Place, London.
Lewis Gilbert (d.2018), the celebrated film director, producer and screenwriter, best known for his 007 James Bond movies and Alfie.
Condition Report: The painting appears to e in good condition with some dirt and dust beneath the glass. The glass has numerous fine scratches and one particularly large gouge at around 7 o'clock. The split pearls are evenly matched in colour and appear to be in good condition. The gilt metal is tarnished. The enamelling to the reverse appears to be in good condition throughout with no signs of any losses or restoration. The diamonds vary in size and style of cut and some bear natural surface reaching fractures and chips. One diamond at approximately 4 o'clock seems to be slightly dislodged in its setting, however, all stones appear to be secure. The central bow motif to the back - lower right swag is missing a diamond and part of the metal setting. The oval enamel panel detailed 'AMITIE' - has a few small surface chips visible under 10X magnification.