Tiny Profile Portrait 

New England, ca. 1840.

Watercolor on paper. A sensitively rendered little girl of half-length profile in red dress, her hair in pigtails and ribbons. The unknown artist emphasized her young age and small size by centering her on larger than needed paper with wide margins. The composition is effective and eye-catching.

The gilt frame, which appears original, has a pencil inscription on the back that starts with Mary J. ____________. Frame size about 5 ¾ x 4 7/8. Excellent crisp clean unfaded condition with minor toning.