Story
A Three Graces' favorite is antique enamel miniature portraits of animals, often in the form of stickpins or brooches.
Dogs, horses, cats, tigers, and foxes, all can be uncovered with enough searching and time. Three of Queen Elizabeth II's favorite enamelists were William Bishop Ford, Wiliam Essex, and J.W. Bailey (the owner's personal favorite although it is nearly impossible to pick a favorite).
This is a darling and realistic spaniel head rendered in coal black, sienna, white, and gray, with an olive green shaded background.
Exquisitely rendered, he or she looks as if she might leap out of the 18k gold frame. The back is closed, so we don't know which of these artists painted this charmer, but likely one of the three.
Formerly a stickpin, it has been made into a pendant. Small in size, it is nevertheless, adorable.
