Very unique, really, in the iconography presented, much of which has Masonic symbols, this very old horn snuff box or patch box dates late 1700s to very earliest 1800, and tells a story of a beautiful young maiden (unbroken jug, lower left signifies virginity and virtue is intact). She has Cupid pushing her from the back, nudging her into love. The little flame atop the pillar is being fanned, and there is an image of a type of hat there on the side of the pillar, which is a "Phrygian" cap, and it's meaning is the unity of Masonic Order to the Republic and the values of the French Revolution. She watches the Masonic square and plumb line, which signifies the way of right and edification. In all, you understand she is tempted by love, is in love, yet holds out for the right time. Some indication her love is involved in the French Revolution and she waits. I love the old iconography.
Very good condition for age and type, a nod to the replacement someone has done where a mounting mat no longer is with it - as it came to me, there is a black cording encircling the cover glass and holding it in place. I have not tried to dislodge it at all. Likewise, the very old horn box shows a lot of age and a little disturbance to surface particularly on the top. Still - a spectacular find! The painting is not signed, or not visibly so. It remains under the original convex cover glass, and there seems to be a very slight haze on the inside of the glass. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
