Miniature Potrait with a Hairlock of Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington

Lively image painted of the Duke of Wellington, 25x20 mm., in his post-Waterloo years, most likely during his post as a British Ambassador in Paris, glazed on both sides, the reverse enclosing a plaited hairlock of the Duke himself, the whole, held by a thin, fire-gilt bronze frame with loop and suspension ring.
A beautiful piece, done by a talented, probably French artist of miniature painting, after family’s tradition, this portrait was kept by Giuseppina Grassini, always close to her, until her last days, among her most cared memories, excellent condition.
II R!
provenance: the estate of the opera singer Giuseppina Grassini, by descent.