Absolutely French, this glorious hand painted in the manner of Vernis Martin (look up the process on the internet to learn more about this favorite decorative style of Marie-Antoinette), this superb large snuff or patch box is a remarkable 200 years old and more - the experts invariably date these to the Louis XIV period, late 1700s to earliest 1800s. I fully agree with them, and the museum piece you see here might well have spent time at Versailles amid the courtiers of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette's marvelous palace there. Amazing to think of the history this one brings with it, and a very RARE offering, truly. These oldest ones do not come available often and I am particularly thrilled to own several at the moment in case you're looking for a tabletop collection (just ask). Entirely hand painted, the sides of the box with foliate or laurel bands and several Classical themed figures or figural groupings. The top holds a hand painted miniature with a Diana the Huntress motif, bow and arrow filled quivers. Fabulous!
Very good condition for age and type, with some wear or loss to the painted surface which is quite normal for these old ones. No age or shrinkage cracks to the box. The top miniature oil painting is painted on a slightly convex bronze panel, there is unfortunately one round spot where the paint has been chipped off. See pictures for measurements.
