French Empire era portrait miniature, c.1800-1815, set into the top of a generous 3.25" diameter table snuff box of finest quality, and the underside preserves a beautiful plaiting of her hair. A sentimental memento perhaps for her husband, as was customary in its time. The painting is wonderful! She's a handsome young woman in fine French Empire fashion, a low bodice and high "Empire" waist gown which is sophisticated in its simplicity. Fine old shell snuff box has just one age split, visible in our photos for your review. The interior liner also has one shrinkage crack, also there for your review. There is a stamp on interior which we've shown. It says it is "for Talmyre Quentin (given of his family)" and I think this is a much later added sticker, though also 19th century, perhaps designating the heir to which the portrait snuff might have been given or left in a will. Precious heirloom, it's been treated with utmost care all this time, based on the fine condition it survives in. Museum piece, museum quality! More than 200 years old.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, as noted in above paragraph. Very little bug nip here or there, and that one age split on the outer perimeter of the lid, one on the interior liner of the bottom, and otherwise, just excellent. Inset holding the miniature painting (gouache on panel) and the one on back or underside that displays a plaiting of her beautiful brunette hair under glass are each in fine form. No chips nor breaks, no warping. Fits smoothly and displays beautifully.
