Antique French 18th Century Portrait Miniature Snuff Box, 1700s Tortoise Shell & 18k Gold
A fine 18th century lathe-turned tortoise shell snuff box with broad 18k gold mat mount - Pre-revolutionary French gentleman in claret or wine colored velvet overcoat with bright red vest. His powdered hair in side roll curls and a pony tail down the back with big black bow (ok, I'm seeing that even though it's not showing on the painting because it is the completion of his very fashionable look. C. 1750-70, a dignitary or Nobleman who remains unidentified. I did take him out of his mount to clean the cover glass, and there is no ID within, and I found no artist's signature. A handsome and beautifully dressed Noble, or might he have been a leader during the French Revolution - his blue eyes hold a direct stare, slight defiance. One wonders! Full measurements noted on the photos, but his face is just 5/8", chin to hairline. Very good to excellent condition for age and type. You can see it is not perfect. The painting has some flaw to left of his face, something as old as is the painting