A 19th-century Continental gilt bronze box featuring a finely painted portrait miniature on ivory, housed within its original fitted interior. The box is richly cast with classical scrollwork and retains its original red velvet lining.
The portrait miniature depicts a young woman rendered in the refined Neoclassical style popular during the Napoleonic era, with soft idealized features, an empire-waist gown, and a pale blue background.
An inscription on the reverse of the miniature reads “Louise de Grusse,” believed to identify the sitter rather than the stylistic inspiration. Such inscriptions were common in early 19th-century portrait miniatures and reflect contemporary aristocratic portrait traditions.
The miniature is executed on ivory, a standard and historically appropriate support for portrait miniatures of this era. The box itself is constructed of gilt bronze, consistent with Continental luxury objects of the period.
This piece is offered as antique ivory, dating well prior to modern ivory restrictions. The miniature is an integral, historic component of the object and qualifies for sale under U.S. federal guidelines for pre-1947 antiques. Appropriate documentation will accompany the sale to ensure transparent and compliant transfer.
This piece represents a well-preserved example of early 19th-century Continental decorative arts, combining fine metalwork with traditional miniature portrait painting.
