Box
ca. 1760-70 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This snuffbox has elements of both the rococo and neo-classicism. Its rectangular shape is echoed by the panels of simulated bloodstone and by the rectangular frames on each surface. Around the edge of the lid runs a line of Vitruvian scroll. The enamelling is monochrome. All this suggests a neo-classical design, but there is much that is rococo: the panels of simulated bloodstone are enclosed in long scrolls, the corners of lid and base have flowers in shaped reserves, and the enamelled scenes have completely irregular outlines.
The box is unmarked. It has long been attributed to Vienna, but Berlin might also be possible.
The box is unmarked. It has long been attributed to Vienna, but Berlin might also be possible.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Engraved, chased and enamelled gold decorated <i>en camaïeu rose</i> |
| Brief description | Engraved and enamelled gold box, decorated with love scenes en camaïeu rose and set with panels in imitation of bloodstone, possibly Austria or Germany, ca.1760-70 |
| Physical description | Enamelled, engraved and chased gold box, decorated with love scenes en camaïeu rose and set with enamel panels in imitation of bloodstone. The ornament on the gold is predominantly engraved. At the corners of lid and base are flowers on a ground matted with a circular punch. Enamel scenes: 1. Lid: Bacchus and Ariadne with panther and two cupids. 2. Side, front: one seated woman and one semi-reclining woman with a basket of grapes. 3. Side, right: two putti with grapes. 4. Side, back: two women, one seated, one semi-reclining. 5. Side, left: two putti with grapes. 6. Zephyr and Flora with cupid. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Credit line | Bequeathed by John Jones |
| Object history | Bequeathed with the Jones Collection to the South Kensington Museum, and accessioned in 1882. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This snuffbox has elements of both the rococo and neo-classicism. Its rectangular shape is echoed by the panels of simulated bloodstone and by the rectangular frames on each surface. Around the edge of the lid runs a line of Vitruvian scroll. The enamelling is monochrome. All this suggests a neo-classical design, but there is much that is rococo: the panels of simulated bloodstone are enclosed in long scrolls, the corners of lid and base have flowers in shaped reserves, and the enamelled scenes have completely irregular outlines. The box is unmarked. It has long been attributed to Vienna, but Berlin might also be possible. |
| Bibliographic references |
|
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 924-1882 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | June 30, 2005 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
