Antique French Gilt Bronze & Enamel Guilloche Jewelry Casket / Box Signed Miniature Ivory Portrait Painting

Antiques : Miniature Portraits & Portrait Boxes

 

A marvelous 19th century French gilt bronze jewelry casket embellished throughout by ornate appliqués of scrolling foliate and laurel leafs. Centered on the lid is a large miniature portrait hand painted on ivory under glass depicting a smaller rendition of Thomas Gainsborough’s 1781-1782 portrait of Mrs Mary Robinson: Perdita. Mrs. Robinson was a renowned actress of the time, even catching the eye of a young King George IV. The portrait is beautifully painted in bright colors with exceptional detail; depicting Mrs. Robinson in a woodland setting accompanied by her loyal dog. Signed Very on the edge. A plaque of rich purple enamel guilloche surrounds the portrait, as well as four smaller oval plaques along each corner of the lid. Each side of the box is ornately decorated in a frieze of florals and other neo-classical motifs. It rests on four feet and is marked at the base with FRANCE. There is a lock; however the box is lacking the key. The lid opens to a cream moiré-type material lining the interior. Condition: In very good condition. Portrait measures approximately 3 1/2" in diameter. The box measures 8" X 8 ¼” and 3 1/4" in height.

Item ID: MP-532