Snuffbox
ca.1760 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
George Michael Moser, born in Switzerland, became a leading gold chaser and enameller and, as a teacher of drawing, a prominent figure in the London art world. He was the first Keeper of the Royal Academy.
The story of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes was a popular source of inspiration for scenes in various artistic mediums throughout the 18th century.
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.
The story of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes was a popular source of inspiration for scenes in various artistic mediums throughout the 18th century.
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.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Chased gold, painted enamel and precious stones |
| Brief description | Rectangular, gold and enamel double snuffbox and watch; George Michael Moser, London, ca. 1760; and watch by Daniel de St Leu |
| Physical description | Rectangular, gold and enamel snuffbox with double opening. The base panel opens to reveal a watch with white enamel face set with emeralds between the Roman numerals. The face is surrounded by rubies and is set in gold chased with scrolls and objects that represent the sciences. The box is comprised of nine enamel plaques showing scenes from Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote. The plaques are mounted in gold chased with scrolls and foliage. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | 'Dan. De S. Leu, London, 564' (Engraved on the watch movement) |
| Gallery label | 6. Double snuffbox and watch
About 1760
A watch is set into the base of this box. The scenes celebrate Cervantes’s novel Don Quixote, first published in English in 1755.
London, England; enameller probably George Michael Moser (1706–83), watch made by Daniel de St Leu (active 1753–93)
Chased gold with painted enamel set with emeralds and rubies
Formerly in the collection of Walter Samuel, 2nd Viscount Bearsted
Museum no. Loan:Gilbert.390-2008(16/11/2016) |
| Credit line | The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection on loan to the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. |
| Object history | Provenance: Traditionally, given by Louis XV to M. de Vougelot, French ambassador to the court of St. James. Viscount Bearsted, M.C. Acquired by Arthur Gilbert from S.J. Phillips Ltd, London, 1982. |
| Production | The box is attributed to George Michael Moser and made in London ca.1760; the watch is by Daniel de St Leu |
| Subject depicted | |
| Literary reference | Don Quixote |
| Summary | George Michael Moser, born in Switzerland, became a leading gold chaser and enameller and, as a teacher of drawing, a prominent figure in the London art world. He was the first Keeper of the Royal Academy. The story of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes was a popular source of inspiration for scenes in various artistic mediums throughout the 18th century. 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. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Other numbers |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | LOAN:GILBERT.390-2008 |
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| Record created | September 4, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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