A bit of a challenge to photograph, but to my eye and sensibilities rather a magical thing! There is a fascinating history of wax modeling on the British blog, Gardens Trust (https://thegardenstrust.blog/2019/08/24/the-agreeable-occupation-of-imitating-nature), which includes discussion of Victorian wax valentine dioramas like this one, which were created largely by women of leisure and which grew out of earlier 19th century wax modeling of flowers and fruit. (Given wide exposure at The Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in 1851, the popularity of wax modeling grew, and molds and materials for creating smaller scale pieces like this one became available for purchase as kits.)
I have come across these now and then but have never seen one as elaborate and densely packed as this one, and I really love the feeling of wildness about it. I also love the lack of color, which to me gives it even more of an otherworldly feel, almost like a dream space. And though the gentleman forever enclosed within it certainly looks poised to be the master of his domain, one feels that nature will most definitely overtake him! I believe this one dates between 1860-90 and is likely French, with a hand-blown dome and a lacquered wooden base.
7 1/2” t x 5 7/8” w x 3 7/16” d. Very good condition, no losses or damage at all that I can see and nothing at all loose or broken. There is a nice air bubble in the glass at the top of the right side. I will very carefully pack and double box this for safe shipping.
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