Snuffbox with a miniature "Venus in a chariot"
Snuffbox with a miniature "Venus in a chariot"
Germany, Berlin
Circa 1800-1805
Goldsmith/Maker: Frères Jordan
Enamel, gold; chasing, champlevé enamel, painted enamel "en plein" (matte)
1.6 x 8.8 x 6.2 cm, weight: 124 g
Marked on the lid interior with the maker's marks: the initials "FJ" (Frères Jordan) surmounted by a crown and with a flower sprig below, a "cipher" hallmark (?), a "P84" mark, and a mark in the shape of a stylized bird's head. Marked on the base with a sunburst mark surrounded by three crossed S-shaped marks; numbered "5589" on the rim
Rectangular gold snuffbox with canted corners features a hinged lift-top lid, concealing a tobacco compartment with mirror-polished interior surfaces. Set into the lid is a miniature executed in the en plein technique (painted enamel on a reserve field), depicting Venus in a chariot drawn by doves and surrounded by her retinue. The scene is flanked on the sides by bands of white lacework enamel ornament, and bordered above and below by friezes of blue enamel and chased stylized leaves in matte gold. The bottom and the side walls of the body feature inserts with a similar white lacework enamel pattern, enclosed within frames of alternating bands of blue enamel and gold stylized leaves.
2220/ДПИ