Hidden at the bottom of the box is another miniature which can be discovered by unscrewing the lower part it represents an adorable little child in profile wearing a hat and a large lace collar made in watercolor; it is signed and dated lower right; " Dv Boudon fecit 1788".
This box has a double interest: quality of the miniatures made by a renowned artist and the presence of a mysterious secret background which hides a second one.
Photos of similar works sold for sale attached.
D:7,5cm
H: box 2,4CM
Good condition.
David Boudon (1748-1816) of Swiss origin is a miniaturist; in Genova learned the art of engraving.
In 1794 he emigrated to be the United States where he worked along the East Coast notab in Charleston, Savannah, Philadelphie, Baltimore and Washington.