My treasure find today: Thoughts?

[Sticks1]

I found this miniature oil painting at a second hand store for $1.50 in with their small frames. It is dated 1749. I was wondering if this is Colonial American (Ohio valley, upper PA, NY, or Hudson River area) or European? It is in an oval frame under glass, signed and approx 4 1/2" W and 3 1/2 " H. The substance around the wood frame is called gesso which I understand was popular in the 18th century..

 

[jewelerguy]

my guess is European

 

[Reelsnrods]

I would say European as well... And it's got a nice look. I've only looked at a couple miniatures, but the ones I've seen that were big money had much finer brush strokes. Great find!

 

[dig kzoo]

Nice !

 

[Gunrunner61]

Put it on the "whats it forum". Breezie will see it and she can tell you
more than likely.........................HH

 

[Bavaria Mike]

My first impression made me think of Rembrandt, the painting style and the signature looks like a shortened version of his signature. 1749 would be about 100 years too late. Where is the date? It does look like a Dutch woman in the painting as well and the building in the background reminds me of Dutch style homes. Surely worth having checked out, you might really have something there. HH, Mike