Lot 30
French Miniature Portraits with Snuff Box, Group of 2
Dimensions

height: 1 inches


diameter: 2 1/2 inches

Estimate: $200 - $400

Price Realized: $128
Includes buyer's premium

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About this Lot
Description

Antique French snuff box featuring a portrait of a man (1793), and miniature portrait of a woman signed "Luc"

Provenance

From the Collection of Marilyn Grossman

Purchased from Sloan's Auction #1650 in 1979

Condition

general wear due to use and age, portrait frame has broken elements and needs repair

A selection from

From the Collection of Marilyn Grossman

Image for Collection From the Collection of Marilyn Grossman

Marilyn Grossman was a passionate collector and recognized authority on snuff boxes, frequently sought out for interviews by antique publications. Her love for art and culture spanned decades and encompassed various mediums. Thanks to her father, she grew up immersed in music and the arts, developing a deep appreciation for creativity. Her early training as a classical pianist, along with art lessons at the Art Institute of Chicago, laid the foundation for her lifelong artistic journey.

Marilyn's true passion for collecting began in the 1960s with snuff boxes, which became her primary focus. Her collection, recognized as one of the most significant in the United States, grew to include over 800 pieces at its peak, with items sourced around the world from dealers, collectors, and auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Phillips. 

Her diverse interests, from art and music to collecting, reflected her curiosity and commitment to exploring the world through creative and cultural expressions. This snuff box collection, built over decades of travel and discovery, remains a testament to her expertise and dedication to the arts.