A fabulous early to mid 1900s large powder box, this elegantly accomplished lathe-turned box has a painting we've seen before so surely is after (aprés) a popular full-sized painting which depicts a scene of a young woman being 'pimped' to a seated gentleman by a lecherous gentleman behind her. Though of now as 'naughty' themed and highly collectible as such, this scene would have been more usual than not in the 1700s it depicts. Women were property, and particularly in France, sexuality was much on display and in vogue. That she does not look entirely enthusiastic tells another side of the story, doesn't it. I digress. The painting is superb, and those faces are a tiny 1/4" from chin to hairline. We have a similar pair of larger scale paintings which are shown with it in the final group image (all sold separately), and a few much smaller ones. The themes were popular in 19th century, as well. The box is so large, it has to have been a large powder jar, or possibly a chocolatier's presentation box, to be kept long after the rest of the gift (confections) were consumed. I see no artist's signature. The mat appears to be silver. I have not ever taken the painting out of its mounting.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. My guesstimate: c.1830-70, and likely a souvenir of someone's Grand Tour. Very well kept, it has no losses, no cracks or chips. Very slightly convex original cover glass, and painting are each perfectly preserved, as well. Full measurements noted on the photos. Faces are 1/4", chin to hairline. Spectacular box!
IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer; we donate to anti-poaching organizations; we don't hunt; we conserve in ways that impact global warming (we're totally solar at home), knowing those measures also protect the animals in the wild today. We also recognize the vast cultural history we preserve with our care and reverence for these antique objects, and agree with CITES that objects over 100 years of age have nothing whatsoever to do with species depletion in our current world.
Our offering exceeds the age limitation of "more than 100 years of age", and is well within the exemption for CITES regulation. If imported, met the CITES regulation. This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah business, and is not available for shipment internationally, nor within the USA to California, NY, Nevada, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington if it contains ivory, sorry. Please see our small print for more details.
