Featured Miniature portrait on wood box lid

Discussion in 'Art' started by baltojoe75, Jun 26, 2024.

  1. baltojoe75

    baltojoe75 Well-Known Member

    The lid is 3-1/2 inches in diameter and looks like turned wood. I was hoping someone can help me determine how old this is. The wear pattern on the inside of the lid is unusual that it is only in the center. I couldn't find a signature although it might be there as the lid looks like it was varnished at some point (the alligator skin looking surface). front1.jpg front1.jpg back1.jpg back2.jpg back3.jpg
     
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  2. Marote

    Marote Well-Known Member

  3. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    wlwhittier, mirana, komokwa and 3 others like this.
  4. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    Isn't that interesting? So shallow. Can't imagine what it was used for. Auction listing box is of higher quality than OP's. Dated as 1875 so certainly not Biedermeier as described. This looks like the inspiration for Martin Luther portrait. c. 1850 according to internet. (Note: He is not wearing a ruff.)

    Debora

    s-l1200.jpeg
     
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  5. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    I don't think I have ever seen him depicted with a ruff.
     
    wlwhittier likes this.
  6. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    A little bit of artist license, I suspect. I think clergy wearing ruffs began a few decades after his death.

    Debora
     
    wlwhittier likes this.
  7. Marote

    Marote Well-Known Member

    Altar bread holder?
     
  8. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    3 1/2". According to the internet, Lutherans traditionally use a "thin unleavened wafer" as host. Called a pyx. Congrats! I think you got it!

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyx

    Debora
     
  9. Marote

    Marote Well-Known Member

    wlwhittier, mirana and komokwa like this.
  10. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    I checked size too and found examples that were consistent. Also consistent wear in center of lid. If one were to fill it, one would stack the wafers to get the most in.

    Debora
     
  11. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    Amazing, to me...the arcana that is routinely offered here promptly after a query!
     
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