This exceptional nineteenth century French cabinet portrait miniature possesses a flawless documented provenance. The subject is formally identified by the original handwritten label on the reverse as Marie Francoise Derlin, wife of Valentin Adam. She was born in Bar le Duc in August 1804 and passed away in December 1839. Painted in 1833, this artwork captures her at twenty nine years of age, showcasing the height of King Charles X era fashion with an elaborate Apollo loop hairstyle and a low cut black society gown.

The masterpiece is signed and dated Vaudeville 1833 on the left side of the background. Vaudeville was a highly regarded French miniaturist active during the 1820s and 1830s, celebrated for his precision and mastery of early Victorian portraiture. Measuring an impressive twenty three by twenty centimeters, this oversized cabinet portrait was commissioned as a luxury display piece rather than a pocket miniature. It remains housed in its magnificent original burl walnut frame with a heavy engine turned gilt brass inner bezel.