Stunning portrait of a c.1750-70s French gentleman wearing the fashionable powdered wig with ponytail in back, tied with large silk bow. Nobility, certainly, but possibly an author or an avocat (attorney), a book or folio tucked under his right arm. Simple lines jacket and elaborately embroidered vest, his casual pose and attention away from the artist or viewer only emphasizes the remoteness of that blueish white face, which is remarkably detailed for a space just 5/8" chin to hairline. Unique in all aspects, really and I'm dying to know his history, alas we do not have an ID. The man must have been of enormous reputation, standing, wealth or status, as this snuff box is rimmed with loads of 18k gold - more than any I've had in my collections. Superb condition throughout, it's come out of a museum collection or family with centuries of luxury and title. I found it in France. The box is superb tortoise shell, no flaws to note. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Excellent condition throughout. I have no flaws to note in this nearly 300 year old jewel of a patch or snuff box. Very well treasured for centuries! Heavy with 18k gold.
IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer; we donate to anti-poaching organizations; we don't hunt; we conserve in ways that impact global warming (we're totally solar at home), knowing those measures also protect the animals in the wild today. We also recognize the vast cultural history we preserve with our care and reverence for these antique objects, and agree with CITES that objects over 100 years of age have nothing whatsoever to do with species depletion in our current world.
Our offering exceeds the age limitation of "more than 100 years of age", and is well within the exemption for CITES regulation. If imported, met the CITES regulation. This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah business, and is not available for shipment internationally, nor within the USA to California, NY, Nevada, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington if it contains ivory, sorry. Please see our small print for more details.
