Antique French Portrait Miniature in Oil on Copper Plaque, 17th to 18th Century Gentleman, Van Dyck Beard foliage not a bit of loss

not a bit of loss or damage to the original work of art

though lesser sketches in pastel

You see a handwritten label is partially intact

There are no dents or losses to the beautiful old 12k solid gold frame or inner mat

Fine antique French Napoleon III era white opaline glass egg shapeded casket

Antique French Portrait Miniature in Oil on Copper Plaque, 17th to 18th Century Gentleman, Van Dyck Beard foliage not a bit of lossA very early original portrait miniature, I'd say late 1600s to early 1700s from fashion and clothing, hair, beard style, and the fact he is painted in oil on a copper plaque, consistent with the early portraits. These paintings are more stable than those on thin natural wafer which are subject to hairlines, paint loss. This one has a newer frame so was likely in a shagreen case originally. Those seldom stood the test of time and many were discarded