Antique 18th Century Portrait Miniature, "Naughty", in 16k Gold Mat and Ivory Snuff or Patch Box
Fabulous 18th century (c.1750-70s) portrait miniature of a beautiful young woman with bared bodice, often referred to as a 'naughty', though in fact in her time this was fashionable, as was her feather boa hat and broad powdered hairdo. A superb little painting in gouache on wafer, it has the original 16k mat still surrounding her. She was taken from a snuff box at some point. I happened to have a 17th century snuff whose painting was damaged, and interestingly enough, she fits it perfectly, so it is a marriage but both pieces perfectly suited and each are 18th century. The mount she's in is much more narrowly crafted - not the type for a frame, but the type made to fit a snuff box, so I'm happy to see her as she ought to be. Full measurements are noted on the photos. Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the box is exceptionally nice, without the usual shrinkage cracks, though there is a tiny one, noted with 'x', it does not run the length of the side lid like they often