She wears red coral 1st Empire Palais Royal tiara and bodice buckle and she's mounted in 18k gold mat. A face so tiny, 1/2" from chin to hairline, it seems impossible we can truly see the woman and her quiet gentle and beautiful demeanor. A very talented miniaturist who has not signed the work unless it's only to be found by pulling her from the stunningly fine burled wood snuff box to which she was mounted some 220 years ago. With the bezel being 18k gold, I am not prepared to pry it out to look for fear of denting it. So beautifully preserved both inside and out, it is a splendid collection piece. I do believe she is painted on hand-laid paper or card. The magnifications seem to indicate that type of surface. Again, not taking her out keeps me from confirming, and it's possible the gouache obscures a grain to the wafer. See what you think. Measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition throughout, one totally obscured natural flaw to the burled wood at the inner bottom half's joining with the shell lining. It's not a chip, but is a small knot in the old wood. Shell lining doesn't even have a bug bite. She has been so well treasured. If only we knew for certain who she is, and who her exceptionally fine artist was.
