19th Century Love Token

This miniature Italianate scene featuring a statue of Cupid, the Roman god of love, set within a classical temple has been created using various shades of chopped hair and watercolour. Vesuvius can be seen in the background whilst two figures in a gondola make their way across the blue lagoon towards a small palazzo on the shoreline.

Painted on an ivory base and set in a circular ebonised frame with domed glass and an inner gilt surround, the painting is in fine condition.