A generous trim mount of 18k gold (thin, undamaged) holds in place a most spectacular tiny landscape. The painting is a masterful depiction of country life and commerce. A Medieval castle in distance and caravans of people (on the river, on the roadway) and animals. Lush vegetation, a herd of sheep, cows, and even a frisky tiny hound among its features, the landscape is painted in gouache on thin wafer. Definitely last half 1700s, I did not take the painting and mount from the Vernis Martin snuff box (deep maroon in color), in order to assess the haze one might well dismiss as the early morning mist that hugs a river or body of water, early mornings. It is possible it might be slight haze on inner glass. I really do not think it is on the glass, unless it is evidence of a light ancient condensation of moisture within, which would slightly disrupt the painting. The front central figures would seem to indicate that, but the gradation of haze to distance in the painting seems very much to have been intentionally set in mist. I mention it for clarity, though the issue is not quite.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. The issue of the early morning's scene of activity suggests mist created for the painting. I'm not positive of it. May be a slight filminess. Shown in photos from sideview and straight on for your evaluation. The box, itself, is superb - a Vernis Martin lacquer (layering of paint and lacquer) with a concentric pattern visible on bottom. No chips or breaks. The interior of the box is a composite, perhaps pulverized and reconstituted horn - would be my guess. The slight ripple to the inner edge/lip would suggest I'm right, and would be a correct base for the Vernis Martin, as well. Larger than most of its era, it would have been considered a table snuff box. Full measurements noted on the photos. Substantial band/trim of 18k gold on this one.
