SIGNED MR DUFOUR 1793-1801 FRENCH SNUFF BOX MINIATURE PORTRAIT DIRECTOIRE PERIOD For Sale

Snuff Box with a Portrait Miniature, Directoire Period, c. 1795–1800Dear collectors,Noblesse-Collectionis pleased to propose you thisfine and particularlyattractive late 18th-century French snuff box, the lid set with a hand-painted portrait miniatureof an elegant gentleman, signed “Dufour” lower left, dating from circa 1795–1800, duringthe French Directoire period.
The sitter is portrayed bust-length against a restrained brown background. He wears a darkblue coat with a high turned-up collar and large gilt buttons, over a striking red waistcoat,together with an elaborate white muslin cravat.
His powdered grey hair is swept back from the forehead and arranged in loose lateral curls.His appearance is particularly characteristic of fashionable French male portraiture duringthe Revolutionary and Directoire periods, combining elements inherited from the late AncienRégime with the increasingly distinctive fashions of the 1790s.
The portrait is of attractive quality, particularly in the treatment of the sitter\'s pale blue-grey eyes,softly modelled complexion and carefully delineated features. The vivid red waistcoat, dark bluecoat and elaborate white cravat create a particularly effective and elegant contrast.
The miniature is clearly signed “Dufour” in the lower left.Monsieur Dufour (French, active 1793–1801) was a French portrait miniaturist working duringthe turbulent years of the French Revolution, Directoire and beginning of the Consulate.Relatively little biographical information concerning the artist has survived, and even his first namedoes not appear to have been securely established. He is consequently recorded in specialistliterature simply as “Monsieur Dufour” or “Dufour, M.”
Dufour specialized in portrait miniatures and his known works belong precisely to the fashionableportraiture of the Revolutionary and Directoire periods. His male sitters may be shown wearing thecharacteristic high collars, elaborate white cravats, colourful waistcoats and distinctive hairstylesassociated with fashionable French society of the 1790s.The artist is referenced in Nathalie Lemoine-Bouchard\'s authoritative dictionary Les peintres enminiature actifs en France, 1650–1850. A signed portrait by Dufour of an “Incroyable”, one of theextravagantly fashionable young men associated with the Thermidorian Reaction and Directoire,has also appeared on the French art market, further connecting his work with fashionable Parisiansociety of this period.
The present portrait fits particularly well within this context, both through its date and through thesitter\'s striking fashionable costume.
The miniature is mounted beneath glass in the lid of an elegant circular snuff box.It is surrounded by a gilt-metal bezel, while the dark surface of the box is embellishedwitha delicate continuous gilt ornamental border.
Period: Circa 1795–1800 – French Directoire PeriodStyle: Directoire / NeoclassicalSchool: French SchoolSubject: Portrait of an elegant gentleman in fashionable Directoire costume,signed “Dufour” lower leftFrame: The portrait miniature is mounted beneath convex glass within the lid of the circularsnuff box, surrounded by a finely decorated gilt-metal bezel and delicate gilt ornamentation.Dimensions:Portrait excluding surround: 5.9 cm diameter / 2.32 inches diameterSnuff box: 8.3 cm diameter × 1.8 cm high / 3.27 inches diameter × 0.71 inches high
Condition: Good antique condition with expected age-related wear. There is a small loss tothe material of the box on the reverse and a small split to the edge of the lid. Minor wear andsurface marks are otherwise consistent with the considerable age and use of the object.The portrait itself presents well with asmall loss of material to the portrait at the upperright edge.Please examine the photographs carefully as they form an integral part of thecondition description.A particularly appealing French Directoire snuff box, combining an elegant period luxury objectwith a signed portrait miniature by Monsieur Dufour (active 1793–1801), a documented Frenchminiaturist closely associated with portraiture of the Revolutionary and Directoire years.

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Based in Le Mans, France,Noblesse Collectionhas been specializing inantiquesand works of art for over 13 years.Our collection reflects a particular tasteforfine antique silverware, especially French pieces from the 19th and early 20th centuries, alongsideportrait miniatures, paintings and carefully selected decorative objects.We are constantly looking for pieces with character, whether for their quality, rarity, craftsmanship or simply their decorative appeal. Each object is individually selected with the aim of offering distinctive and authentic pieces at fair and carefully considered prices.

Quality and condition are particularly important to us.
Our silverware is carefully inspected and professionally cleaned when necessary by an experienced silversmith based in Le Mans.We also pay great attention to thepacking and shippingof every item. Each piece is carefully protected using professional packing materials and several layers of protection to ensure that it reaches you safely.Orders are usually dispatched within24 hours of receiving payment, together with an invoice. We ship worldwide usingFedEx, with secure and fully tracked delivery.

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Should you encounter any problem with your purchase or delivery, please contact us and we will respond as quickly as possible. We remain responsible for your parcel until it has been safely delivered to you.We accept returns within30 days of delivery. If you change your mind for any reason, return shipping costs will be covered by us. Once the item has been received and checked, your refund will be processed promptly.

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