Antique Georgian Miniature Portrait Pendant Brooch Queen Maria I With Box

Dating to the late 18th century, this exceptionally rare and beautiful antique miniature portrait pendant-brooch has been remarkably preserved for more than two centuries and remains in remarkable condition. At its centre is a swinging double-sided locket, set with two finely cut rock crystal windows with a distinctive hourglass silhouette. Within sits an original, finely detailed watercolour miniature believed to depict queen maria i of portugal, shown with her characteristic pouf hairstyle and adorned in regal dress, necklace and earrings. Queen maria i of portugal also known as dona maria i reigned from 1777 to 1816. The miniature appears to be inspired by her most celebrated official portrait, painted by the irish artist thomas hickey between 1781 and 1783. During this period, portrait miniatures of reigning monarchs were highly popular and often commissioned as prestigious gifts of royal favour.   The portrait is housed within an exquisite silver frame decorated with scrolling foliate motifs and surmounted by an ornate crown embellished with a vibrant assortment of foil-backed paste gemstones A distinctive decorative style popular in 18th-century portuguese jewellery. Traces of original gilding remain visible on the reverse, and the piece has been carefully updated over time with a later silver pin and locking catch, most likely during the 19th century, for extra security and peace of mind when worn.    A rare museum-quality survival from the georgian era, this piec...

Dating to the late 18th century, this exceptionally rare and beautiful antique miniature portrait pendant-brooch has been remarkably preserved for more than two centuries and