Miniature Portrait of César François Cassini de Thury, Jean-Marc Nattier, circa 1750

Nattier was regarded as one of the foremost portrait painters at the court of louis xv (reigned 1715-1774). He occasionally turned to miniature painting, as demonstrated by this likeness of cassini de thury (1714-1784), a distinguished astronomer and director of the paris observatory, shown seated at his desk taking a pinch of snuff from a gold box. Date: circa 1750. Place of creation: France. Dimensions: 8 × 6.9 cm (3.1 × 2.7 in). Medium: watercolor on ivory. Collection: Walters Art Museum. Jean-Marc Nattier - Miniature Portrait of César François Cassini de Thury - Walters 38101