18th-century Buttons With Miniatures

A rare and charming set of three 18th-century buttons (Louis XV/XVI period), set under glass in a circular gilded brass frame.

Each button features a delicate miniature painting on ivory executed in wash, depicting scenes of daily life and rural life, which were very popular in the 18th century:

Top button: An agricultural scene depicting the harvest or tilling the land (a figure bent over sheaves of grain or a bundle of wood within an octagonal frame surrounded by a glittering/bluish border).

Center button: A maritime scene showing two figures loading or unloading a chest or package at the water’s edge, with a sailboat in the background and a coastal tower.

Lower button: A rural scene of mowing (a mower in period costume wielding his scythe), also set within an octagonal medallion.

This type of precious button adorned the ceremonial garments of gentlemen under the Ancien Régime

The miniatures are in very good condition, with fine craftsmanship and a beautiful patina of age.

The original mounting rings on the back are missing.
One of the buttons shows traces of a previous conversion into a brooch.
Slight signs of wear on the glass, which is normal (visible in the photos).