A refined French gold snuffbox of elegant octagonal form, executed during the Napoleonic Empire. The body is adorned with enamel miniatures in the grisaille technique depicting allegorical military games of putti. The lid presents a scene of cherubs loading a cannon, handling cannonballs and seated upon antique armour, symbolically calling to battle. The side panels are enriched with additional allegorical compositions featuring martial attributes.
The subject is interpreted in the Neoclassical spirit and reflects the ideological language of the Empire, where Antique motifs embodied valour, glory and state authority. Fasces – the attributes of Roman lictors – appear on the sides of the box, symbolising power and the continuity of Imperial Rome, a key visual element of Napoleonic artistic vocabulary.
The surfaces are decorated with finely chased reliefs of blooming buds, rendered with remarkable plasticity. Along the axis of symmetry run vertical bands of deep blue enamel, creating a striking contrast with the warm radiance of gold. The interior is fully gilded and retains its mirror-like brilliance.
The grisaille compositions demonstrate refined tonal modelling, sculptural treatment of figures and academic precision characteristic of the Parisian school of the early 19th century.
Marks: Four-leaf clover cartouche with the letter “M” – maker’s mark (poinçon de maître), likely Parisian registration, first quarter of the 19th century.
Dimensions: Height 9.3 cm; width 6.5 cm; thickness 1.7 cm.
Weight: 113 g.
Condition: Good. Minor traces of age to the exterior and interior surfaces and along the edges, consistent with age. Enamel with small chips. Hinge functioning properly.
Provenance: Private European collection.
Minor surface wear consistent with age. Enamel with small chips to the edges of certain panels. Structure stable, hinge operating smoothly.
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.
