Victorian era young girl with coral necklace miniature portrait brooch

For sale a very sweet, Victorian era miniature portrait brooch.

The brooch features a young girl painted with a strand of red coral beads necklace. The painter paid great attention to draw the girl's white dress on which the beautiful red coral necklace resonates. The coral was extremely popular during that time:  it was considered as an amulet which protects children from childhood diseases. The waves of the collar cheerfully underline the contour of the girl’s cheeks, all round, full of health.

This red coral necklace on the painting reveals some interesting history behind it: Europe has been an excellent market for coral since the 17^th century. It was carved into pendants, earrings, hearts, rings, etc. Napoleon's sister, Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples from 1806 to 1814, revived the coral fashion and the coral industry by wearing whole adornments made in coral and sending other coral adornments as gifts to the Empress Joséphine and Marie-Louis. After France, the rest of Europe follows: young girls wear coral on their white ball gowns. Coral has always been bought for girls and children as amulets and this went out of fashion by the 1900s. This is reflected also in many artistic works / paintings from the 18th/19th century, we've collected some to show you in the last picture.

The brooch is made in gold (the portrait’s frame) and in silver with pearl garland decoration. The pin of the brooch is made in metal. It is dated back to the 19^th century, the Victorian era.

Measurements and Condition

In overall good antique condition. Traces of use and oxidation on the metal. No crack or missing on the miniature portrait.

Height: 45mm

Width: 30mm

Weight: 8.8g