Fantastic 19th Century Shoe Shaped Snuff Box with Heel Opening Spanish But it is the expression

But it is the expression on the face of the man at the center upon which I think the painting hinges-- elusive

and the irregularity of the edge of the black paint makes me think it was made to please its maker rather than for sale

6 3/8" x 4 3/8" x 1 5/8"

5” tall x 3” wide x 1 1/4” thick

green and white

Fantastic 19th Century Shoe Shaped Snuff Box with Heel Opening Spanish But it is the expressionI've developed quite a penchant for antique snuff boxes in all of their glorious variety, and especially love those shaped like little shoes. I was super excited to find this one, which is both gorgeous and unusual, composed by joining halves of two different woods, and with the snuff box housed not in the cavity of the shoe, as is typically the case, but instead in the heel. Pretty cool! Made of fruit woods I believe, the box is in very good shape,