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Discover how the value of similar works has evolved over the past 10 years. Art is not only beauty — it's an investment.
An exquisite gold snuffbox of rectangular form with rounded corners, executed in the tradition of the Geneva school of enamel art in the first third of the 19th century. The hinged cover is adorned with a finely painted polychrome enamel miniature depicting Sainte Anne Trinitaire - Saint Anne, the Madonna with the Christ Child, and four angels. The composition follows Western European iconography representing Saint Anne, the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child, symbolizing three generations of Christ’s lineage.
The enamel plaque is framed within an elaborate three-color gold border composed of garlands of flowers, buds and foliage in yellow, pink and white gold, accented with refined cobalt enamel lines. The sides of the box are decorated with floral ornamentation combined with deep cobalt enamel panels. The reverse features a guilloché ground surrounded by a vegetal frame with rounded corners, enriched with bi-color gold ornament and cobalt enamel. The interior is mirror polished, reflecting the exceptional level of craftsmanship.
Based on stylistic analysis of the miniature and the goldwork, the piece may be attributed to the circle of Geneva masters working for the French export market during the Restoration period. The attribution to Johann Daniel Berneaud (1773 - 1861) is based on stylistic parallels and requires further comparative research.
Hallmarks: French import guarantee mark for 14K gold - letter “a” within a scallop shell, confirming assay control upon import into France.
Material: 14K gold, polychrome painted enamel on gold, guilloché.
Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 2 cm.
Weight: 173.6 g.
Condition: Good condition. Minor signs of age-related wear. Enamel miniature without losses or cracks. Hinge functioning properly.
Provenance: Private collection.
In the first third of the 19th century Geneva was one of Europe’s foremost centers for the production of luxury gold snuffboxes and enamel miniatures. Following the fall of Napoleon, demand for refined personal luxury objects increased significantly. Geneva masters were renowned for combining finely painted enamel miniatures with guilloché gold surfaces and elaborate three-color gold decoration. Such objects were primarily created for export markets including France, Russia and the German states, often bearing French import marks.
The subject Sainte Anne Trinitaire was especially popular within Catholic iconography and was appreciated not only as a decorative motif but also as a symbol of dynastic continuity and spiritual protection. Comparable Geneva snuffboxes are preserved in major museum collections, including the Musée dart et dhistoire de Genève. The use of three-color gold, cobalt enamel and guilloché reflects the transition from late Neoclassicism to early Romanticism and is characteristic of elite courtly luxury objects of the period.
Consistent with age. Minor surface hairlines on gold. Enamel miniature intact and unrestored. Hallmark clear and legible. Hinge in working order.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
