Signed: A. (or) H. Becker
Size: Length ~ 2 & 5/8 inches, Width ~ 2 inches
Quantity: 1
This is an extremely well painted large, early miniature painting featuring; The
Gypsy, Naples or Vagabond Boy.
The portrait is painted on fine quality porcelain and fitted in an antique C- clasp
brooch ~ pendant combination.
The colors, from the red and gold in the clothing and jewelry, to the purple ~ lavender
background, remain very vibrant.
Center portrait is surrounded by shiny parcel gilt in a nice dark, old gold color.
The quality of the hand painting is quite amazing; eyes, lips, ear and hair show
incredible detail. The jewelry is also very finely depicted. You may not be able
to tell from the images, but the boys necklace pendant appears to be a portrait
miniature. His clothes look very realistic.
The artist clearly signed this miniature; Becker (lower left, on jacket) however,
the first initial is somewhat unclear, possibly A. or H.
Due to the high quality we believe it likely that the painting is on a KPM porcelain
plaque, however we have not removed the original mount to look at back for fear of
causing damage. It certainly appears to be in the Berlin style and is executed
on German quality porcelain.
This miniature is in extremely nice condition. Examining the painting with a jewelers
loupe we see only a few very tiny scratches in the lavender background and very light
wear to lower edges of gilt, near the mounting. Clasp, pendant bail, and both hinges
appear in fine original condition and work properly.
As this vagabond or gypsy boy was apparently a somewhat popular 19th century subject,
a few similar portrait miniatures can be located on the web, including several KPM
and Dresden examples. Please do a search and we believe you will determine as we
did, that this particular example was painted by an exceptionally talented artist.
An additional artist search revealed a few listed Becker’s from the appropriate
time period, however we were unable to conclusively identify a particular individual.
Possibly someone more knowledgeable will be more successful.
Regardless, this antique miniature is in extremely nice condition and is certainly
exceptionally well painted.
