Antique Pair Miniature European Paintings Ivory 19c

A wonderful pair of 19th century portrait miniature paintings on ivory. One is signed Smart and the other one is unsigned. Both portraits appear to be of a European Gentlemen. They are housed in papier-mache very simple black lacquered frames with a gold gilt interior molding embracing the actual painting. One is topped with a repousse bronze bird and the other is topped with a bronze repousse Scottish Thistle which is where the hook is attached for hanging on the wall. The back of the frame is covered in an old book page or newspaper. The writing is European either French or perhaps Italian. They are both in very good condition and once again one is signed on the lower left Smart. The work is exceptional – showing every wisp of hair down to the smallest of light glare in both of the men’s vivid blue and brown eyes. The colors are dramatic – quite the work of art!

Measurements: Overall they measure 5 1/8” x 4 ½” and the sight size is 2 ¼” x 1 7/8”.