A Rare and Exceptional period Louis XVI gilt bronze or ormolu mounted miniature painting on ivory snuff box. French, circa: 1770-1780. Measuring: 3.25" wide by 2.25" deep by 1.25" high.
This Museum example of Ormolu snuff boxes is the finest of qualities second only to Pure gold snuff boxes. This is so well done as far casting and gilding you really could tell little between the two pieces if laid next to each other.
This box reveals a miniature old master painting of the period done on ivory panel which is under domed glass framed within the cover. The painting depicts a male figure with two female figures a small dog and three sheep among a lush and lavish landscape. One female figure is semi nude or erotic as her breasts are exposed above her dress.
The superb mercury gilding is done with hand chased bronze work and detailing along with lost wax method of superior casting. The interior is quite rare as it is fitted with thick and genuine red tortoise shell of the finest specimen and type.
Excellent condition, 95% of the gilding is still in tact and all original. There is a very fine hair line in the ivory far left side in sky which is almost invisible. It does not affect the integrity of the piece I only mention it for accuracy.
A snuff box of this quality would have belonged to a Noble or a person of important position from the period.
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