Original german miniature watercolour

Unknown artist -- german, early 19th century -- “pilgrims” -- 1821 -- watercolour on paper -- 80 × 137 mm|3 1/8 × 5 3/8 in -- 165 × 214 mm|6 3/8 × 8 3/8 in (framed size) ---- delicate watercolour sketch of two pilgrims on the road to compostela (indicated by the scallop shells [coquilles st.jacques] attached to their shoulders). -- in the background, two sailors wave from a small boat; in the foreground, a frieze of tiny, colourful flowers. -- painted on the reverse of a letter inscribed in ink in german, dated 1821, the letters of which show through gently, almost like falling rain, in the unpainted sky of the image. -- a tiny masterpiece that has survived two centuries, clearly cherished by its original recipient and subsequent custodians. -- mounted behind passepartout and framed.