Box with portrait of a woman 1775 - 1781

This miniature portrait of a woman, encased within a round box, was created by French artist Jean-Baptiste Jacques Augustin between 1775 and 1781. The work is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The piece captures the subject in an intimate and detailed manner, with delicate brushstrokes and a focus on her facial features and graceful pose. The portrait exemplifies the artist's skill in miniature painting and the popularity of such intimate works during the late 18th century. The small size and ornate box suggest it may have been a personal gift or a treasured family heirloom.