Vernis Martin and Gold Box with Miniatures

Circular box in burnt orange vernis Martin, set in two-toned gold. The box features four gouache on paper miniatures featuring portraits of the family of Joseph-Bernard Chabert, Marquis de Cogolin (1724-1805).
The portrait of Joseph-Bernard Chabert, Marquis de Cogolin appears in profile on the removable lid of the box. The Marquis was a naval officer and hydrographer, especially responsible for correcting maps of Canadian waters. He became a ship’s captain and actively participated in the American Revolution. He later immigrated to England and returned to Paris shortly before his death.
The underside of the box features a portrait of a distinguished, elderly woman. The interior of the box is lined with tortoiseshell and contains two other portraits: a young woman from the late 18th century, as well as a cardinal.
D: 2.6 in (6.5 cm) / H: 1 in (2.5 cm)
Discharge mark: Monkey head, 1775-1780
Production from the late 18th century
Light traces of use.