Rare on numerous counts, this is one of my all-time favorites of my collections - c.1750-80, a young blond girl (hair parted in center) posed holding her trimmed French poodle dog next to her. They're in a fabulous landscape setting outdoors, typical method in this era. The snuff box is in very good condition and is decorated in the "Vernis Martin" layered paint and varnish which was most favored by Queen Marie-Antoinette and her entourage. I do not see a signature, and we don't have ID. I've added a painting detail showing the daughter of King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, and can't confirm but I do think the wide-set eyes and smallish chin, blond hair might suggest the painting is their child. If so, or provable, of course the value increases. Her face is only 3/8" chin to hairline, a remarkable painting! Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the painting has suffered no loss or damage mounted as you see it atop the fine and nearly 300 year old Vernis Martin & shell snuff box. The box remains in remarkable condition for age, and only a little minuscule nips at center rim, more to be felt than seen. Photos show it from all sides for your review. No chip on inner lip and the cover glass is flat, does not seem like a replacement, however. Stamps on inner lid only identify subject "infant with dog", and are likely very old auctioneer or collections IDs. There is a 12k face on the mount (acid tested). Thin but attached to the brass beneath it.
