Carl-Christian KANZ (1758-1818), Saxon (German) artist - Portrait of a young lady, bare breasted and in 18k gold mount set into a fine snuff box, miniature circa 1795-1800, elements of neoclassical Empire sensuality and fashion. An exceptionally beautiful portrait and superb preservation of the late 1700s tortoise shell snuff box, as well. A quite similarly composed painting by Kanz a gift of J. Pierpon Morgan in 1917 to the MET, NYC has the same canted corner rectangular mount upon its enameled snuff box. KANZ's portrait miniatures are in museum collections around the world. He has a series, really, of similarly off-shouldered or strap-caped bare breasted young beauties among his works. Museum piece. The box is 3 1/8" in diameter, 1" in depth when closed. As you can see, it is magnificently preserved. Tucked beneath/behind her is a hand painted antique playing card, cut to shape - Queen of Hearts.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. The octagonal mat/mount is 18k gold and the specially cut, beveled and polished cover glass is slightly convex, quite amazing and of course crafted only for this miniature. Imagine all the artists and artisans work to create this fine museum piece. And the time! I can find not a single flaw to report. I have not taken her out of her 18k gold frame mount, so all photos have been taken through the convex glass, creating a bit of glare here or there. The painting is perfect. Signature is very pale but authenticated by Bernd Pappe, international expert and published author re portrait miniatures. The style and subject treatment is unmistakable.
