This is such a charming painted ivory portrait of Princess Sophie Van Braunschwerin. Emily selected it for several reasons, most important being that the subject is wearing a lovely girandole bodice ornament. We learn so much about period jewelry from paintings and prints. It makes one ponder whether Princess Sophia would have been surprised if someone told her centuries ago that her jewelry would remain a covetable and enduring silhouette in the 21 st century. Upon research, Emily believes this to be the German princess Sophie Caroline Marie of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, who almost became the bride to King George III, but political stars were not aligned for them, allowing Charlotte to become his queen. Either way, she is beautiful and worthy of a shadow box. England, ca 1760
