Some miniature objects

Various small-sized objects, produced for different purposes, have been decorated by artists specialized in the technique of miniatures. One particularly precious piece is an oil-painted ivory plaque depicting the biblical scene of Susanna and the Elders, attributed to French production from the late 17th century. Equally valuable is a circular-shaped tortoiseshell box, dating back to the second half of the 18th century, with an oil painting on the lid portraying Paolo della Silva.

Among the jewelry-portraits intended to be worn around the neck is the portrait of Giovanni Battista Fantonetti (1815-20), who served as the mayor of Vanzone San Carlo. Another box is adorned with engravings on its surface depicting the symbols of Christ’s Passion: it might be a mid-18th-century rosary crown holder.