Featured Antique Portrait Miniature signed "Daffinger"

Hello again!
I wanted to share another painting that has been somewhat of a mystery to me over the years. I bought this one off Ebay in 2019. I was initially fascinated with the woman wearing masculine attire and a top hat... and the duck. What on earth is the random duck about, lol?



The painting is signed "Daffinger". Daffinger was quite a famous 19th century Austrian portrait painter. I do NOT think this is an original from Daffinger. If you compare this signature to known portraits of his, they don't quite match. Daffinger's actual paintings also have a certain "sophistication" that this lovely lady lacks in my humble opinion (although I DO obviously love the portrait!). I know that it was common for artists of the 18th/19th century to paint their own interpretation of a famous portrait and sign it with the original artist's name, not as a "knock-off," but more of an acknowledgement that it was not their original painting. I'm thinking this is a reproduction of an original by Daffinger?

I have found a similar painting from Daffinger and I think I know who this lovely lady is- Grafin Ferdinandine Karolyi, née Princess Kaunitz-Rietberg. What I believe to be the original painting can be viewed here: https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-k...5-2051862-half-length-miniature-20214097.html

Funnily enough, I came across another rendition of this painting on Ebay recently, signed R.W. I bid, but it ultimately went for more than I was willing to pay for a rendition of my rendition. ;-)


I do believe this painting to be old- possibly late 18th century into the 19th century? Truly, just a guess based on years of looking at old paintings. I opened this up (those prongs are sharp haha!) and am curious what this is painted on. Ivory? Porcelein? It is a very thin, translucent material.




Here are some additional pictures of the back as well as a close-up of the signature. Any insight, comments, etc are welcome! I just wanted to share one of my favorite pieces and hope you all enjoy it too.

 

Since the background is a marshy looking area, I don't find the duck to be random, just part of the scene.

 

He appears to be widely copied. And easy to see why. His work is of great charm. She is, by way, wearing riding clothes. And rather than "masculine," clothing might best be described as "tailored" (although inspired by menswear, of course.)

Debora

 

The material it's on looks like Celluloid or similar.

I think it is not so much signed Daffinger as labeled Daffinger. Painter of this one giving credit where credit was due.

 

Great researching! I wouldn't care a bit if your version is a later copy or not. It is such a sweet portrait and the frame complements it beautifully. Quite a charming piece. And I agree the duck helps to set the scene plus adds some interesting movement to the picture. Thanks for sharing.

 

Let's call it "After Daffinger."

Debora

 

I should correct that I initially thought it masculine until researching more and realizing it was a style of clothing. These are great examples!

 

I can see why it’s one of your favorites. The painting and frame are lovely.

 

thank you!

 

These have the same signature.

https://www.pamono.eu/moritz-michael-daffinger-portrait-of-a-lady
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/antique-1830-portrait-miniature-3775718916

Can't see why it would not be real.

 

The first one is clearly identified by the auctioneer as 'after Daffinger'. The second seller does not sound like they have the expertise to know an original from a copy.

 

Alot of these aren't really paintings but just touched up prints on celluloid or such, the pamono linked one is a prime example, really sloppy detailing