A large 3" x 2 5/8" oval painting, gouache on thin natural wafer, is beautifully mounted in a 4" diameter table snuff box. I am uncertain of her origin. I bought her and a larger one with a gentleman in France, but I think they might both be Prussian - German or Austrian, perhaps even Russian in origin. The woman shown here wears the gown of the Napoleonic era French Empire. Beautifully painted, a nice detail of her jewelry is also shown. The precision work of shell and stunning burled wood, lathe-turned, lined in shell, is splendid. Note the deep center form to the box from the side, and the fine condition.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Two mentions: 1. the lid is very slightly loose-fitting, though even and smooth, it does not stay on tightly so be careful picking it up. 2. There is something of a stumble to the upper left of the painting, visible on the photos for your review. I have never taken this portrait out of its place, so all images are through the very slightly convex cover glass. Without a metal surround, I feel it would be highly likely it would break that mount which is shell. A stunning compliment of natural materials on this one - that box! A gorgeous woman, perhaps not French at all from my experience in these old boxes. No signature visible.
