Oval Snuffbox in Gold and Enamel with Miniature of Marie Antoinette, 1800s

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Description

Oval 18k gold snuffbox with a miniature depicting marie antoinette, queen consort of louis xvi, based on the famous "portrait … Read more Oval 18k gold snuffbox with a miniature depicting marie antoinette, queen consort of louis xvi, based on the famous "portrait of marie antoinette with a rose" by élisabeth vigée le brun in 1783. The miniature is surrounded by set half pearls. Translucent blue enamel decoration on a guilloche background, enriched with paillons; the edges feature white enamel lines. Slight enamel defect near the lid edge. Inside, hallmark fj, presumably attributable to the goldsmith frères jordan of hanau or françois juanin. The rim features the 18k gold hallmark and swedish import hallmarks: the head of st. Erik, a mark historically used on precious metals in stockholm, and the swedish coat of arms.

dimensions: 83 x 62 x 30 mm.

interest in the historical figure of marie antoinette has never waned over the centuries, and this snuffbox is a testament to this with undeniable historical value. The exquisite craftsmanship of the object is complemented by the charming portrait of the queen, taken from one of the most iconic paintings of her time, while the presence of imported swedish hallmarks evokes, not without suggestiveness, the famous bond between the queen and count axel von fersen. See less