Gold and diamond-set snuffbox decorated with rocaille ornamentation
Gold and diamond-set snuffbox decorated with rocaille ornamentation
France, Paris
1733–1735
Maker: Govaers, D., called Gouers (dit Gouers)
Gold, silver, diamonds; chasing, matting
2.8 × 7.3 × 5.1 cm
Maker's mark; charge/discharge marks of the fermier général Hubert Louvet, 1732-1738; date letters 'R' (on the side) and 'S' (on the base) for 1733-1735; the rim engraved: Gouers AParis
Rocaille-shaped gold snuffbox fitted with a hinged lid with a volute-shaped thumbpiece. The top of the lid is decorated with an expressive chased composition depicting two putti supporting a large shell accented with diamond inserts. The raised narrative is enclosed within a shaped, molded frame of shells and floral motifs, which is also set with antique-cut diamonds. The sides of the body are adorned with chased rocaille waves and dynamic scrolls; the decorative thumbpiece of the lid is highlighted by a large bezel-set diamond solitaire. The base of the snuffbox features a similar chased composition with putti within a shell-scroll, set against stylized park colonnade.
1804PC304/ДПИ