Miniature portrait of Empress Josephine with ties to Washington family descendents. An early 19th century miniature portrait painting of the empress depicted wearing a light blue dress and headband adorned with grapes, leaves, and pearls. Gilt bronze ribbon frame with raised blue felt band. Period inscription on reverse. Split in center. Spotting. Family correspondence identifying the miniature as having been given to General Lafayette who then in turn gifted it to George or Martha Washington, or one of their children, during his return visit to the United States. It was passed down in the Custis and Lee families until it reached the family members who wrote the included documents, beginning in 1913. Sight: 1.875 x 2.5in. Overall: 5.5 x 4.25in.