A fine and rare Portrait Miniature of an American Naval Officer by Jean Francois de la Vallee circa 1805

Vallee was active in the United States from 1794-1828 and specialized in painting miniature portraits on ivory. George Washington sat for him in 1795 and Andrew Jackson in 1815. Although the naval officer is as yet unidentified, the miniature dates to circa 1805. The gold case measures 2 1/2" in height. NOTE: There is a vertical hairline crack running through the face of the sitter which only appears upon close examination. The reverse side of the locket has woven hair of the sitter with his initials in gold script.