FRENCH SCHOOL (18th century)

Portrait miniature of Queen Marie Antoinette, profile to the left, wearing classical style dress, her hair powdered and styled with a veil; circa 1795

Circa 1795
Watercolour on ivory (licence number: 75S8EAH2)
Set into a seed pearl mount and later gold ring setting (early 19th century); later leather ring case
Oval, 12mm (1/2 in) high
Ring size US 4/ UK I

SOLD

"This ring may have found its way to England hidden on a fleeing noblewoman or supporter of the royal family, leaving France before the possibility of imprisonment and possible execution..."
 Marie Antoinette was extremely fond of rings – and as the ultimate style setter she began a craze for portrait rings. She certainly owned at least one of herself in profile, as Princess Marie Anne de Bourbon Parme mentions in her inventory:

"Une grande bague avec miniature et diamants. Miniature de la Reine Marie Antoinette, d'après le testament de la Duchesse d'Angoulême, Comtesse de Marnes (...). 

Les trois bagues proviennent de la Reine Marie Antoinette et ont été léguées par sa fille, Madame la Duchesse d'Angoulême, Comtesse de Marnes, à sa nièce et fille adoptive Louise de France, Duchesse de Parme, qui les a laissées à son fils Robert I Duc de Parme". 

[A large ring with a miniature and diamonds. Miniature of Queen Marie Antoinette, according to the will of the Duchesse d'Angoulême, Comtesse de Marnes (...). ]

These three rings came from Queen Marie Antoinette and were given by her daughter, Madame la Duchesse d'Angoulême, Comtesse de Marnes, to her niece and adoptive daughter Louise de France, Duchesse de Parme, who then gave them to her son Robert I Duc de Parme.] They were sold at Sotheby’s Geneva on 14 November 2018, the profile ring for £235,000 (fig.1).

It is likely that the profile portrait in the current ring came from a print, such as that in the Musee Carnavalet in Paris (see fig.2). This type of profile portrait satisfied the interest in Neoclassical style portraiture and clothing in the later 18th century (note the Roman style clasp on the Queen’s cloak in the ring). This ring may have found its way to England hidden on a fleeing noblewoman or supporter of the royal family, leaving France before the possibility of imprisonment and possible execution. Marie Antoinette herself preserved what she could before her imprisonment, wrapping diamonds, rubies and pearls in cotton, and placing them in a wooden box to be sent to Brussels which was under the rule of the queen's sister, Archduchess Marie-Christine.

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The Limner Company does not accept any responsibility for import duty, this is to be paid by the buyer.

Some stock items contain materials from endangered species which are governed by CITES regulations and will require a permit to export outside of Great Britain. If a certificate of export is required then this will be the responsibility of and paid for by the buyer .

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Portrait miniature of Queen Marie Antoinette, profile to the left, wearing classical style dress, her hair powdered and styled with a veil; circa 1795

FRENCH SCHOOL (18th century)

Portrait miniature of Queen Marie Antoinette, profile to the left, wearing classical style dress, her hair powdered and styled with a veil; circa 1795

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shipping notice

The item added to cart contains materials from endangered or protected species. The Limner Company cannot arrange for the delivery of artworks containing ivory, tortoiseshell, or mother of pearl outside of the UK due to import restrictions. The buyer or designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale.

You are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of any items made from or containing certain endangered or protected species (such as ivory, tortoiseshell, or mother of pearl), while other countries will require a permit (e.g. a CITES licence). Such permits must be obtained from the relevant regulatory body in both the country of importation and exportation. If you intend to import such items into another country you should familiarise yourself with the relevant customs regulations and laws before purchase. Delays or refusal of import or export of such works shall not permit cancellation of a sale. It is your responsibility to satisfy any laws or regulations applying to the import or export of any work containing such protected species. For further information on the protected species listed please visit the CITES website:http://www.cites.org/. For further information about import and export regulations please visit:http://www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla-en/imports-exports/cites/. On request, the Company can assist with or apply for a license on your behalf.

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shipping TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Worldwide shipping is included in all prices.

The Limner Company does not accept any responsibility for import duty, this is to be paid by the buyer.

See Section 7.5 in Terms & Conditions for information on export/import regulations. Please contact us to discuss shipping options. Some stock items contain materials from endangered species which are governed by CITES regulations and will require a permit to export outside of Great Britain. If a certificate of export is required then this will be the responsibility of and paid for by the buyer.

See Section 7.5 in Terms & Conditions for information on export/import regulations.

Please contact us to discuss shipping options.

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