Description
Hand painted portrait of an unknown French officer. His dark blue coat with red piping and silver buttons and epaulettes opens up to reveal his white undershirt. Pinned to his left breast is a medal that appears to be the Order of Saint Louis. The chivalric military order was founded in 1693 by Louis XIV and was open to Catholic military officers who had served for at least 10 years in the Army or Navy. It was abolished during the French Revolution, reinstated by Louis XVIII, and abolished once more in 1830 during the July Revolution. This is likely on ivory, but I have not taken it apart to confirm that. The reverse would have held a lock of hair but is empty on this one. Measures 1.5″ x 1.75″.
