First of all, I've researched and the identification on the paper labels affixed to the bottom is not accurate (see that person's portrait toward end of our photos). I'm not certain what that means, but it and the deep convex cover glass, as well as the portrait being quite obviously not the famous actress/comedienne mentioned on back. The portrait is signed by the artist, " D Imbert" however, and dated 1819. I don't see evidence of removal, but typically the cover glass in 18th century would be less convex, slightly thicker. That said, it is a magnificent painting and superb late 18th to earliest 19th century snuff box. I see no pry marks on the gold mount to indicate removal, and no damage. Beautifull young blond woman in quite typical portrait drape (classical, often baring a breast), her hair and eyes each setting her apart. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, no flaws to the miniature painting (gouache on thin wafer), and the artist's signature and date is clearly visible to far right side of painting roundel. I suspect the mat might be karat gold but I did not test it. If it is, it's one of the thin plaques affixed to the mount which would be in brass. It's easier to see that bond and also to test gold without scraping it if I remove the entire mount, which I have not done. Glass is clean, box is remarkably unscathed except around the bottom perimeter of the bottom half, which would indicate to me there was once also a gold trim there which has been lost to time. She displays so beautifully - that blue/blue draws the eye!
