“BOZE PINXIT (…) XIV” signature light and long the 3-5 o'clock position on the miniature's edge. Very well-listed French artist of miniatures, JOSEPH BOZE (born Martigues 1746 – 1826 Paris died), whose works are highly sought after and are included in many museum collections has given us a little Masterpiece in this early painting, c.1770s-80s. A boudoir scene, the beautiful woman plays bare-breasted with her puppy. A mirror in view is often a symbol of virginity in early French works, but it's possible here that it is just an aspect of the boudoir interior, along with her scent bottles - at her toilette, as is said. The exceptionally fine old tortoise and Vernis Martin decorative treatment of the snuff box, inlays of 18k gold, as with the mount and trim, elevates it further, still. I've always loved miniatures, and the more so when they're mounted on snuff boxes as you see here. I should mention, Bernd Pappe, author of numerous books of portrait miniatures and a world expert, has personally affirmed the signature on this one. One looks at the later direct portraits by Boze and can see that this is an early one, some fantasy to it, and fabulous (and expensive) colors. One wonders what gentleman of pre-French Revolutionary France commissioned this work, and who this lovely young maiden or mistress really is.
Very good to excellent condition throughout, with mention of just 2 hairline imperfections on perimeter of the box's lid (see images). The box is an amazing work of goldsmith's and artisan's art, on its own merit. The box is 3 1/8" in diameter and 1" tall, closed. The painting is 2 5/8" diameter, perfectly preserved and protected under the original convex and polished cover glass, beveled edges - top quality start to finish. I did not open this one up, not wanting to risk any damage where the 2 small hairlines are, so all photos are taken through the glass. Some glares, perhaps. No evidence of warp. I suppose it is possible there might be more info on paper or vellum backing behind the painting. I will leave it to her next owner to search for it. No bug bites, no loss at all to rims - overall, just a splendid museum piece.
