In this circular miniature, mlle de montbrizon looks up from her desk with a letter in her hand. Polite and expressive letter writing was a highly prized social accomplishment in 18th-century france. In paris, the french capital, notes and letters crisscrossed the city; by the mid-century, there were up to nine deliveries of mail each day. Although the sitter in this miniature is shown with a quill and elegant writing furniture, we can tell from the way in which it is folded and addressed that she has received rather than written the letter she holds. Date: 1795. Place of creation: France. Dimensions: Diam: 7.6 cm (3 in); Framed diam: 10.1 cm (4 in). Medium: watercolor on ivory. Collection: Walters Art Museum. François Dumont - Mademoiselle de Montbrizon - Walters 38337
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