Commemorative snuff box set with a portrait miniature
Commemorative snuff box set with a portrait miniature
The snuff box: 1819–1838; the miniature: 1817
By Gabriel-Raoul Morel (Paris) and Gustaf Möllenborg (Stockholm), the miniature by Jacob Axel Gillberg
Gold, ivory, glass; chasing, matting (punching), and painting
2.9 x 8.9 x 6.3 cm
Marks & Inscriptions: On the lid: Engraved with the monogram "CG" within a medallion; the miniature beneath is signed by the artist: "Gillberg 1817". On the interior rim: Stamped with the maker's mark of Gabriel-Raoul Morel ("GRM" within a lozenge) and a French assay mark depicting a baby's head with the number "2" (corresponding to 1794–1797). On the left exterior rim: Stamped with the inventory number "№116"; a French large-standard gold guarantee mark showing the profile of a philosopher facing left within an oval (corresponding to 1819–1838); the maker's mark of Gustaf Möllenborg ("GM"); the Swedish three crowns city mark within a trefoil; a Swedish duty mark showing the King's profile; and the gold fineness marks "19K" and "56 ½ D". On the central rim: Engraved with the inscription: "Mme H.A. Gondret née Acquaire le 12 Nov. 1794. Décédée le 30 Mai. 1838" (Madame H.A. Gondret, née Acquaire, born 12 November 1794, died 30 May 1838). On the right rim: Stamped with a guarantee mark for 750-fineness gold depicting a bull within a lozenge (corresponding to 1819–1838) and the number "691"
Gold snuff box of rectangular form with a hinged lid. The sides are decorated with rectangular reserves featuring chased foliate borders against a matted (punched) ground, the corners designed as fluted columns. At the center of the lid is an oval miniature portrait of a young lady, depicted three-quarter view to the right; her hair is adorned with a diadem, and she wears a white dress with a green cloak draped over her shoulders. The sitter is Hedvig Antoinette Gondret (1794–1838), née Acquaire.
The miniature is concealed beneath a hinged circular cover, the exterior of which is decorated with the monogram "CG" framed by oak branches with acorns tied with a bow. The area surrounding the miniature is filled with chased foliate ornament and urns against a matted ground. The base features a chased composition framed by a foliate border against a matted ground, depicting a scene from the tale of King Henry IV and the peasant. In this parable, the King’s true identity is revealed to a peasant he encountered in the forest when they cross paths with a group of subjects who remove their hats and bow to their monarch.
949/ДПИ