Gorgeous antique French 4.5” wide gilded bronze jewelry casket, a uniquely shaped box with ornate decoration & hand painted portrait miniature! A Victorian or Napoleon III era decorative trinket or jewelry box with strong Rococo Revival influence including scrolling, asymmetrical floral motifs and ornate edging, a popular 19th century reinterpretation of 18th-century French design. The engine-turned or textured top panel combined with a framed portrait miniature is typical of refined personal luxury items of the period.
The portrait miniature itself is lovely with soft, delicate brushwork, the powdered curls, and especially the wide-brimmed hat with ribbon are very typical of the contemporary fashionable European portrait miniatures of the late 18th to early 19th century. Most miniatures like this actually depict unknown or private individuals, often commissioned as keepsakes or gifts.
Very good to excellent condition. I see no dents, damage or losses to the exterior and the interior appears original. The portrait is in fine shape with no cracking though we think it’s not original to the box but works fabulously. See pictures for measurements.
