Carolean period enamel portrait miniature of a royalist

An enamel portrait miniature of a royalist and member of the order of the garter.

English, third quarter of the 17th century.

Measures 6.4 x 5.2cm excluding loose bail.

The portrait is of a man in the dress typical of the Carolean period (during the reign of King Charles II), around his neck he wears a gold medallion on a blue ribbon, the medallion appears to be that of the order of the garter. To the right of the man is a crown of thorns surrounding three royal crowns, which is probably a reference to the Martyr King - Charles I. The male figure is depicted within a room, an open window behind him shows a landscape with a castle in the distance.

The original silver case is decorated in cloisonné enamels with varying shades of blue intended to imitate lapis lazuli.

The miniature is further contained within a 19th century leather case with an old collection label to the outside.