Mournful Woman in White, Damaged But Marvelous Early Portrait Miniature Box vintage pacakging but of note is the

but of note is the fact that the mouth does open and close

I found this piece at the estate sale at the home and studio of an artist in Wellesley

which makes me think either he was a sign maker

and having a really great time

When the citizens refused to pay for his services as promised

Mournful Woman in White, Damaged But Marvelous Early Portrait Miniature Box vintage pacakging but of note is theHER! I purchased this from an auction right near me in Gloucester, MA; I actually don't buy much at auctions but I became am obsessed with her. Look closely and there is an urn partially visible to her right, which combined with everything else about her, really certainly seems to indicate that our young subject is in mourning. And, painted on a box carved of ivory, perhaps she mourns a young husband lost at sea. I believe American, very late 18th