Snuffbox with a composition of "The triumph of Neptune"
Snuffbox with a composition of "The triumph of Neptune"
France, United Kingdom, Paris, London
Created: 1742–1743; Modified: circa 1848–1855
Modified by master John Linnit
Gold, diamonds, emeralds; chasing
3.8 x 8.3 x 6.3 cm
Tax farmer's mark – Louis Robin (1738–1744); date letter "B" (1742–1743); Paris warranty mark for 1809–1819; Paris warranty mark for 1819–1838; French "eagle's head" assay mark (1847–1919) stamped twice; St. Petersburg import mark of the mid-19th century
Rectangular gold snuffbox with wavy undulating walls, featuring a hinged lid. The side walls of the body are decorated with an expressive rococo (rocaille) ornament, and the corners are adorned with raised depictions of marine creatures and attributes. The top of the lid is decorated with a chased mythological scene representing "The Triumph of Neptune": the god of the seas is depicted in a chariot drawn by hippocampus, accompanied by a Nereid and a Triton blowing a conch shell; the scene is enclosed within an intricate floral and geometric ornament. Elements of the raised decoration are accentuated by emerald and diamond inlays. The bottom of the snuffbox features a multi-figure composition set against a rococo background, illustrating the myth of Neptune taking the form of a ram to seduce Theophane, with two putti supporting his crown and trident.
1600PC364/ДПИ