This 1870 snuffbox is set with earlier miniatures. The scene of fireworks over the Seine in Paris and the theatre interior were painted by a member of the van Blarenberghe family in 1761. The van Blarenberghe family originated in Leyden but moved to Paris in 1751. At least five members of the family were painters of miniatures but as they rarely signed either their first name or initials, their work is difficult to attribute.

There was no known firework display in Paris in 1761 but the van Blarenberghes often used historical engravings. The scene may therefore show one of the great displays earlier in the century - perhaps celebrating the birth of the Dauphin in 1730 or the recovery from illness of the King in 1744.

Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world’s great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996.