Antique French Pink Guilloche Enamel & Ormolu Dresser Box Signed Miniature Ivory Portrait

Antiques : Miniature Portraits & Portrait Boxes

 

A stunning French empire-style gilt bronze powder box or dresser jar decorated in an array of scrolling foliate appliqués edged by a frieze of classical laurel leaves. A border of reticulated tracery trimmed by rich, ornate floral embossing circles the side of the box and reveals the cut crystal insert.

Plaques of bright pink enamel over guilloche surround a central miniature ivory portrait! Housed under glass, the portrait is beautifully rendered, painted with bold, bright colors in the tiniest of brush-strokes and set upon a green background. In powdered wig, lace edged gown and a rosy blush to her complexion, this portrait is most likely a rendition of one of the famous paintings by Nattier or Vigee leBrun of the many courtly ladies from the reign of Marie Antoinette. Signed Vély.

The lid opens to reveal a beveled mirror and a cut crystal liner insert embellished at the base by a 24-point cut starburst.

Marked FRANCE at the base. The whole piece is in very good condition for its age, there is a small area of loss to one of the bronze floral appliqués on the lid-this is revealed by the small dark spot diagonal from the artist’s signature on the portrait. Measures 3 5/8” in diameter x approx. 2 7/8” in height.

Item ID: MP-554