Antique French Gilt Bronze Dresser Box, Signed Miniature Portrait, Palais Royal, 19th Century

About This Piece

A French gilt bronze dresser box or jewelry casket from the late 19th century, in the Palais Royal tradition. Beautifully embellished with rope trim around the edges of the lid, four applied bellflower embellishments, and acanthus leaf decoration around the serpentine-shaped body. The lid is decorated with a hand-painted miniature portrait of a French aristocrat — most likely Marie Antoinette — hand signed and under glass. Lined in velvet.

During the 19th century, boxes such as this were sold in the Palais Royal shops of Paris as souvenirs of the Grand Tour — a tradition that makes this piece both a decorative object and a piece of cultural history.

Provenance

French, 19th century. Palais Royal, Paris.

Details & Dimensions

• Origin: Paris, France
• Date: Late 19th century
• Material: Gilt bronze with velvet lining
• Portrait: Hand-painted miniature, hand signed, under glass — possibly Marie Antoinette
• Shape: Serpentine
• Length: 4⅞"
• Width (widest): 3½"
• Height: 1¾"
• Item ID: 201153b

Condition

Very good. Hinge and clasp in good working order. A small dent on the bottom of the box is the only item to note.

Shipping & Handling

• Ships within 1–2 business days via USPS Priority Mail
• Complimentary shipping within the US
• Reduced International Rates available