Painting On Ivory Jean Baptiste Santerre Tortiose Shell

A beautiful and unusual painting on ivory with tortiose shell and inlaid mother of pearl mop in the shape of carved flowers. Jean-Baptiste Santerre was a French Baroque Era Painter, 1651-1717. Extremely well listed and sales to $250,000. Have not been able to find any minatures by Jean-Baptiste Santerre though it is entirely possible this is by his hand. It is signed and J B Santerre. Possibly a late attempt at painting miniatures. Whether Jean-Baptiste Santerre painted this or from the Circle of Jean-Baptiste Santerre this is an incredible work that stands on its own as a masterpiece. Rather large for a painting on ivory this piece resides in a case the like of which I've never seen. Inlaid with silver, mother of pearl flowers and tortoise shell it is a testament to the importance of the image it encloses. The silver crown of birds maybe a late 18th early 19th C addition as this piece is undoubtably from the early to mid 18th century. Condition is very good the silver could be cleaned if desired and there is a couple of small flakes of paint off in the upper right. Not even noticable without a loupe. A masterpiece in miniature possibly by one of the finest paintings of all time

Measurements: 6.5 inches by 4 inches