Antique French Signed Miniature Portrait Painting Purple Guilloche Enamel Gilt Bronze Jewelry Casket Box

Antique French Signed Miniature Portrait Painting Purple Guilloche Enamel Gilt Bronze Jewelry Casket Box

A marvelous antique French gilt bronze jewelry casket embellished throughout by ornate appliqués of scrolling foliate and laurel leaves. Centered by a large hand painted miniature portrait depicting a smaller rendition of Thomas Gainsborough's 1781-1782 portrait of Mrs. Mary Robinson in her role as the Shakespearean heroine Perdita from a Winter's Tale. 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's 'Perdita' sitting in a woodland setting accompanied by her loyal dog. Signed on the edge 'Vepy' and housed under glass. A plaque of violet purple enamel on guilloche surrounds the portrait in addition to four oval corner plaques. An elaborate patterned frieze of flowers and tracery panels bordered by minute beading and decorative edging adorns the sides. Resting atop four feet and marked at the base 'FRANCE'. Lacking a key. The lid opens to a cream fabric lined interior, likely a later replacement. In good antique condition with general wear commensurate with age. Measuring 8" X 8 ¼" and 3 1/4" in height.

'Perdita sighs her time away in nature's bower, with only her loyal dog and a miniature portrait of her lover for company in the weeping woods. She's attractive in her grief; her silk dress and powdered face are immaculate. The folds of her dress merge with soft green foliage and her features are brilliantly set-off by the dark woodland shadows. The landscape seems designed to show her at her best, as indeed it was - Gainsborough certainly did not paint her in a real natural setting.'

'The Prince Regent, in between building his Royal Pavilion at Brighton and stuffing Carlton House with art treasures, went from mistress to mistress. He was quite the romantic at the beginning of his relationship with Mrs Robinson. Seeing her on stage as Perdita, he sent her a miniature of himself - the one she languidly holds in her right hand - with a paper heart inside swearing love forever. She became his first famous mistress.' -- Jonathan Jones. The Guardian, 2000.

LAYAWAYS are always welcomed! Don't let if slip away, put it on LAYAWAY!

If you like what you see or would like advance notice on new acquisitions, please subscribe to our shop. A link to subscribe is available on the left hand column of this page. Visit us on Facebook, keyword search "The Antique Boutique" or Follow Us on Twitter @Antique_Boutiqu and receive instant updates on new additions and upcoming sales.

Item ID: MP-1171

$1,600 USD SOLD