Antique Georgian snuff box with hand painted miniature portrait painting of a gentleman. Origin unknown. Date: circa 1770. Round box is just under 3 inches in diameter and just over 1 inch high. Old shell box with beautiful mottling and blond raised rim to lid. Condition of box is good, especially considering the age. Lid is less than perfect with a small open slit where a segment of the side has cracked and been reattached in an antique repair. The blond rim also has a gap caused by natural shrinkage. The lid of the box has an exceptional handpainted miniature portrait of a gentleman. He appears to be middle-aged, which could be the effect of a high forehead and grey wig, indicating a respectable status and intelligence. The face is superbly painted with the fleshy cheeks and jowels, highly individual features shown in museum quality brushwork. The tilt of the head, slightly sideways and penetrating, direct stare, as well as the slightly open mouth - as though withholding a thought just formed from the observer make this an unusually personal depiction. A collarless brown jacket with buttons over a blue vest and white cravat convey a further solidity to the sitter. The miniature is further unusual in that it covers the whole lid. The miniature is in very good condition. Status: For Sale Reference#: 3733 Condition: good Year: 1770 Title: ANTIQUE 1700''S SNUFF BOX MINIATURE PORTRAIT SHELL IVORY

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