Spectacular and rare finely crafter tortoise shell box which one might expect to be a snuff box, but it is the hiding place of a sensual or 'naughty' oil painting. A beautiful young woman, breasts bare, sits upon her bed and takes a willow switch to the backside of cupid who smiles mischievously in spite of his reddened bare bum. He still holds his bow, and his tiny wings remain evident. It is a story of a reluctant and perhaps regretful young beauty who has been enticed by cupid to make a love choice she's unhappy with, even if only playfully so. Gentlemen often carried such an item as this, brought out at gaming nights, or perhaps kept as image of their mistress to be admired in secret. I've always loved portrait miniatures, and been intrigued by these naughty ones. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the box is superb, with no cracks or breaks and only a few minuscule bug bites around the edge of the bottom half. Hinged frame is without bend or damage and the box opens and closes smoothly, a precision fit. The painting is an oil painting, no need of a cover glass, and thus a lttle surface irregularity commensurate with age. Nothing offensive, and the interior setting is charming, bed curtains pulled back. One of the rare ones!
