Rare, early, exceptional condition and interest, this is a magnificent but unsigned portrait in miniature, her face only 3/8" from chin to hairline - yet look at the incredibly fine detail this artist has achieved. From her fashion and hair, we'd date her Louis XVI, mid 18th century (c.1750-70). Low bodice in a U shape, an elaborate and large powdered hair fashion with the lush (no doubt 'extension' or fake) curls at nape of neck, and that lush and impossible feather hat - she surely was a courtier to kings, one or the other. The mount is worked repoussé in 18k gold, the backing into which the portrait and original convex cover glass are anchored is brass. Box, stunning fine creation and condition speaks to wealth, excess, and the opulence of the era. The big ribbon trimmed hair reminds one of Mme Pompadour, same era, and after which large hair, piled high was later known. I have not taken her out of her mount, so all photos have been taken through the convex cover glass. A fine memento. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition throughout, age and type considered. There are no breaks or cracks in the exquisite tortoise shell box, and no bug damage, either. The absence of chips to the shell, or to the thin rise or lip over which the top half of the box closes hasn't a bit of chip or loss, which is quite rare, indeed. As you can see, no disruption to the 18k gold oval, which is relatively thin. Some of these old ones have an 18k facing which is rather easily damaged, but this is slightly thicker gold, adhered to a backing and has kept its form and beauty very well.
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.
