Masterfully miniature on ivory was executed in 1832 and depicts a noblewoman in a blue wide-brimmed hat with feathers. It was created by famous Italian miniature painter Giuseppe Naudin ( 1792 - Parma - 1872), who was the court painter of Maria Louise, Duchess of Parma ( former wife of Napoleon I). Based on some similarity with her famous portraits, it can be assumed that it is she who is depicted in our miniature.

The author Giuseppe Naudin was descended from a French family who moved to Parma at the time of the first Bourbons. He attended Paolo Toschi´s studio, specializing in the art of miniature and watercolor. He collaborated for some time with Toschi and with Carlo Raimondi. He also became known nationally after having made some watercolor copies of Correggio´s frescoes.

The Duchess Maria Luigia appointed him a court painter and became an honorary academician of the Academy of Fine Arts in Parma. He made watercolor copies of the frescoes of various painters and refined paintings of the country residences of Maria Luigia and of the interiors of the Palazzo Ducale in Parma. Under his guidance, the Duchess perfected the watercolor technique.

He became famous throughout Italy, especially as a miniaturist. He was awarded various honors: in 1872 the king of Italy awarded him with a gold medal and with the Mauritian insignia.

Literature: in German: of artists by Thieme/Becker; in Italian: Lasagni, Dizionario biografico dei Parmigiani, ed. PPS, Parma 1999; Dizionario biografico degli italiani. 2020.

Inscription: signed and dated 1832 on the lower right edge; on the back of the cover ( Never opened) - collector‘s inscriptions.

Technique: gouache on ivory. Original period Bronze gilt oval frame..

Measurements: unframed w 2 3/4" x h 3 1/2" (7 x 9 cm); framed w 3 3/8" x h 4" (8,5 x 10,1 cm).

Condition: in good condition, slight scuffs from the frame along the right top edge.