Lot 4
A late 18th century gold mounted fob seal/locket,
Auction: 23 May 2007 at 12:00 BST
£1,200
Description
with circular suspension ring, simple scroll surmount and oval cornelian inset base, inscribed to the underside SEMPRE in script within a foliate border, of hinged form, opening to reveal a hand-painted portrait miniature by A. Delatour, depicting an aristocratic female portrait within a rope-twisted border, opposite the inscription IL PIU GRATO NASCONDE
Dimensions
Length of portrait 2.7cm
Footnote
SEMPRE translates as ALWAYS and IL PIU GRATO NASCONDE may be interpreted as THE HIDDEN BEAUTY. It is very likely that this fob was commissioned and discretely worn by a besotted suitor.