Unique gold and enamel snuffbox with a portrait of Admiral Count Semyon Ivanovich Mordvinov. Russia. St. Petersburg, 1780s

This unique oval-shaped gold snuffbox is a fine example of 18th-century Russian jewellery art. The box is covered with monochrome enamel of bright turquoise colour and decorated with white and gold decor, which creates the effect of noble radiance. On the hinged lid there is a miniature depicting the commander of the Russian fleet, Admiral Count Semyon Ivanovich Mordvinov. The bust portrait is made by analogy with the miniature by an unknown artist kept in the Pushkin State Museum in Moscow depicting the admiral in a ceremonial uniform consisting of a white caftan with a green collar, outlined by gold embroidery, over a white shirt with a jabot. On the chest there is a blue St. Andrew`s ribbon with an order diamond star of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called. On the neck is the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky on a red ribbon. The miniature is set in a luxurious frame consisting of two rows of diamonds: 79 small old-cut diamonds and more than 80 rose-cut diamonds, and is complemented by an inner border of 43 semi-pearls. The edges of the box are decorated with an elegant geometric pattern in the form of ovals and circles imitating pearls, on a gold background, emphasized by white enamel. The walls of the box are covered with azure enamel with decorative elements: white enamel fields, a gold wave and an image of golden vases on an azure background, reminiscent of the architectural details of Russian Baroque. The base repeats the decorative pattern of the lid, made in turquoise enamel with white and gold accents. Turquoise shades and white and gold accents used in the decoration of the snuff box harmonize with the color scheme of the Catherine Palace located in Tsarskoye Selo, which was the residence of the imperial family in the 18th century and a symbol of state greatness. The discreet decor of the snuff box reflects the transitional style from decorative Russian Baroque to classicism, characteristic of the reign of Catherine II.Hallmarks: City sign of St. Petersburg, 1788, used in the period 1776-1825 (on the lid and base); Hallmark of David Rudolf, court jeweler, registered in St. Petersburg from December 1779 to 1793 (on the lid and base); Hallmark in the form of the Roman numeral II.Dimensions: Width: 8.5 cm Height: 2.6 cm Weight: 195 g

Historical information: Semyon Ivanovich Mordvinov (January 26, 1701 – after 1761) was an outstanding Russian admiral, naval writer and innovator of the 18th century, who made a significant contribution to the development of the Russian fleet. A representative of the ancient noble family of Mordvinovs, descended from Zhdan Mordvinov, a native of the Mordvin people who served the Moscow princes. He was born in the village of Melkovichi (now the Leningrad Region) after the tragic death of his father, Ivan Timofeevich, who died in the Battle of Narva. In 1715, he was introduced to Peter I, who sent him to the Naval Academy. In 1717, by order of the emperor, he was sent to France for in-depth study of maritime affairs on the ships of the French fleet. Returning to Russia in 1722, Mordvinov began serving in the Russian navy, quickly earning a reputation as a talented and experienced sailor. From 1726, he took part in the voyages of Admiral Senyavin`s squadron, and later commanded the Astrakhan port. For his services in navigation expeditions and successful command of the Kronstadt detachment in the Seven Years` War (1756-1763), he was promoted to rear admiral. His successful leadership of troops at the siege of Kolberg strengthened his reputation, and in 1761 he was appointed a member of the Admiralty Board. Under Peter III, Mordvinov was entrusted with full responsibility for the management of the Russian fleet. For his service, he was awarded the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called, St. Anna, and Alexander Nevsky. Mordvinov was distinguished by a high level of competence and strategic thinking. Among his initiatives were innovations such as the introduction of longboats for ships of the line and the creation of new navigational instruments, including a compass with an artificially magnetized needle.

Rudolf. David Rudolph. Originally from Copenhagen. Haberdashery master since December 9, 1779. Guild foreman since 1793, Had apprentices in 1794 and 1796. Apprentices S.Wein H.Brugger (Literature: E. Felkersam Alphabetical index of St. Petersburg gold and silver masters, jewelers, engravers, etc. 1714-1814).

The jeweler`s products are part of the collection of the diamond storeroom in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.The snuffbox, created by the court jeweler David Rudolf in St. Petersburg in the 1780s, is a first-class museum item, possessing exceptional historical and cultural value.