Grisaille, painted with watercolour on ivory, housed in a plastic, or � thermoplastic,� daguerreotype housing called a Union case made by the American Company S. Peck & Co. Inside the case we found a trade card bearing the name Miss Norris who we first assumed might be the artist, but is more likely to be the sitter in the portrait.Ivory: 3 1/8 x 2 1/2 in. (8 x 6.4 cm.)Case: 3 3/4 x 3 5/16 in. (9.4 x 8.4 cm.)Case interior �sight�: (6.6 x 5.3 cm.)Ref: GLPFH7EEAlthough Janvry seems more likely to be the artist the miniature painter Samuel Andrews (1767 ?- 1807) can also been considered.This striking portrait is painted in the distinctive en grisaille style, set against a darkly painted background. The profile is painted in shades of grey directly onto ivory. The style of painting closely resembles that of the French miniature painter Henri de Janvry, who worked in England from London addresses. He exhibited at the R.A. 1798-1800 and may have worked in America. In 1852, American photographic suppliers developed a plastic, or � thermoplastic,� daguerreotype housing called a Union case. Although these cases were marketed mainly for daguerreotypes, they also framed some portrait miniatures. By the end of the Civil War, photography in the United States had overtaken miniature painting as the popular choice for small portraits. The style of dress indicates our portrait is from an earlier period and would have been housed in an oval frame showing more of the surface area of the painting.Janvry, H. de. (fl. 1793-1800)A Frenchman, working in England c.1793. Exhibited at the R.A. 1798-1800 from London addresses. May have worked in America. Painted miniatures en grisaille on a dark background, many in profile, besides miniatures in water-colour and enamel, and engraved stones. His signature was H.J. (the J passing through the cross bar of the H), H.J., and H. de Janvry. Sometimes he added a date. Examples of his work may be seen at the V&A Mus...