A lovely antique 19th century French enamel on copper miniature portrait. Depicting a charming interior genre scene. Portraying a mother and her children. At her feet is an adorable dog. After a painting by Etienne Aubry (Versailles 1745-1781) titled La Mère Heureuse. A beautifully executed enamel with fine details and lovely colors. The art of kiln-fired enamel is a painstaking process. Such exquisite detail and color require a very skilled hand and knowledge acquired through years of practice. The enamel is first applied in brushstrokes of powders in muted tones on a convex copper plaque, which is then kiln-fired and the powders melt and harden to a finish similar to glass or glazed porcelain. Prong set within an ebonized wooden frame with gilt bronze or brass trim. In overall good condition with general wear. Having a loop ring for hanging display. Measures 4 1/2" length x 3 3/4" width.