Stunning fine miniature painting is perfectly preserved on the beautiful and undamaged burl wood snuff box which was created for it, c.1790-1810. A Napoleon era matron, she wears the lace bonnet and the modest lace bodice of her station in life, a Nobleman's or titled person's wife. The artist did not leave a signature for us, but the delicate portrait shows his or her hand as that of a Master. You know I've long collected art, portrait miniatures, and that Antiques & Uncommon Treasure always strives for only the very best of best. The quality and condition of this one puts it squarely into my favorite collections. Decades of collecting, it's time to disburse those old treasures. When they've been kept as beautifully as this one, it almost hurts somehow that I do not know who this woman was, and her history, loves, life story. This is the appeal of portraits, after all, isn't it. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. There is not a tiny nip or chip, no crack or hairline - so beautifully treasured these past centuries, I have no flaws to note. I suppose I can say that I have never taken her from her mat and I'm certain she will be improved if I did so to clean the inside of the old original convex cover glass, but if a mount isn't quite easy to remove, I just don't. In person, the tiny tiny impossible dust is not visible to your eye, and you only see it here or there because the photography light catches it. Her face is only 1/2" from chin to hairline.
