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Discover how the value of similar works has evolved over the past 10 years. Art is not only beauty — it's an investment.
An outstanding monument of Russian court goldsmithing of the reign of Catherine II, this oval gold snuff box with a miniature portrait of Count Admiral Semyon Ivanovich Mordvinov represents a rare example of a high-status personalized commission from the late eighteenth century. The object was executed in Saint Petersburg during the eighteen eighties of the eighteenth century and demonstrates an exceptional level of enamelling technique, complex diamond setting, and compositional discipline characteristic of the capital’s Classicist school.
The body is crafted in gold and entirely covered with translucent turquoise enamel of a refined cool tone. The surface is articulated with white and gold enamel bands containing oval medallions and strict geometric divisions forming a rhythmic architectural structure. Decorative motifs include stylized vases, arcades, and wave-like elements reflecting the transition from Late Baroque to Early Classicism in decorative arts.
At the center of the lid is an oval enamel miniature portrait of the admiral in full dress uniform adorned with orders. The painting displays subtle modelling of facial features and meticulous rendering of insignia. The portrait is framed by a lavish setting of seventy-nine old-cut diamonds, more than eighty rose-cut diamonds, and a wreath of forty-three half pearls creating a radiant halo effect. The interior is polished to a mirror finish. The hinge construction corresponds to Saint Petersburg goldsmith practice of the eighteen eighties of the eighteenth century.
Hallmarks: Maker’s mark “D.R.” in a rectangular cartouche attributed to David Rudolph, registered in Saint Petersburg between the year one thousand seven hundred seventy-nine and the year one thousand seven hundred ninety-three; City mark of Saint Petersburg bearing the date one thousand seven hundred eighty-eight corresponding to the official type used between the year one thousand seven hundred seventy-six and the year one thousand eight hundred twenty-five; Cyrillic letter “P” serving as an additional assay mark of the Saint Petersburg Assay Office of the late eighteen eighties of the eighteenth century.
Dimensions: Width - eight point five centimeters; Depth - six point four centimeters; Height - two point six centimeters
Weight: one hundred ninety-five grams
Condition: Good. Enamel without losses. Minor traces of wear visible on the interior surface. Stones and pearls securely set. Lid mechanism functioning properly.
Provenance: Private European collection.
The second half of the eighteenth century in Russia was marked by the rapid flourishing of decorative arts and the strengthening of the imperial court as the principal patron of luxury objects. The reign of Catherine II, inspired by Enlightenment ideals and Classical aesthetics, established a new artistic language founded on harmony, clarity, and monumentality. Saint Petersburg emerged as one of the leading European centers of goldsmithing, attracting foreign masters who integrated Western European traditions into Russian artistic practice.
David Rudolph, born in Copenhagen, entered the Saint Petersburg guild in the year one thousand seven hundred seventy-nine. He became one of the prominent galanterie goldsmiths serving aristocratic and courtly clientele. His works are distinguished by refined enamel surfaces, architectural clarity of ornament, and elaborate diamond settings. Objects attributed to David Rudolph are preserved in major museum collections, including the State Hermitage Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Royal Danish Collection at Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen.
In the eighteenth century, snuff boxes were not merely fashionable accessories but powerful symbols of rank, political allegiance, and royal favor. Their presentation functioned as diplomatic gifts and marks of imperial recognition. The depiction of Admiral Semyon Ivanovich Mordvinov transforms the object into a commemorative artifact celebrating state service and naval distinction.
Mordvinov, a representative of an ancient noble family, pursued a career from education at the Naval Academy and training in France to commanding the Russian fleet under Emperor Peter the Third. He contributed to navigational reform, shipbuilding modernization, and participated in major operations during the Seven Years War. The Orders of Saint Andrew and Saint Alexander Nevsky depicted on his uniform emphasize official state recognition.
The miniature portrait corresponds to official eighteenth-century iconographic tradition and is comparable to portraits held in the collection of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts. The synthesis of portrait miniature, enamel, gold, and diamonds elevates the snuff box to the status of a museum artifact embodying the intersection of art, power, and memory in Imperial Russia.
The object is preserved in condition consistent with its age and museum-level conservation standards. Enamel stable. Minor interior surface wear. Stones firmly set. No structural damage observed.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
