Two Fine Continental School Portrait Miniatures of Noblemen on Vellum

19th century or earlier, possibly Austrian or German, watercolor on vellum, laid on paper, both now wrapped against metal backing, each depicting 17th century royal sitter in finery against a scenic landscape with partisan polearm, the first portrait in long curly dark hair, with red and white plumed lobster tail armored helmet nearby; the second facing dexter with long auburn brown hair, the upper left with heraldic coat of arms divided quarterly with central inescutcheon. Both presented behind glass in later ebonized wood frames with gilt filet.

Miniature 5 x 3 5/8 in.; frame 6 3/4 x 5 1/4 in.

From a Private Collection, Washington, D.C.

The heraldic coat of arms in the upper left of the portrait illustrates a crowned shield divided quarterly with double headed eagle and unicorn, with central inescutcheon.

Good estate condition; some minor tears to the far edge from creasing around metal backing.