A refined small oval snuff box crafted in gold and decorated with a finely executed enamel miniature. The lid is centred with an oval medallion depicting a gallant genre scene characteristic of the late 18th century: a young couple bidding farewell on the shore to a departing vessel. The theme of separation and travel reflects the sentimental sensibility of the period, situated between Late Classicism and early Pre-Romanticism.
The miniature is painted with great delicacy and framed by a border of natural pearls, lending a precious rhythm and enhancing the intimate, personal character of the object. The surrounding field is enriched with deep blue enamel adorned with subtle gold ornament in the form of stylised vegetal motifs. The body of the snuff box is smooth, with a warm golden sheen; the interior is carefully polished. The object is distinguished by harmonious proportions, high-quality craftsmanship, and the refined finish typical of French goldsmiths’ workshops of the late 18th century.
Marks: Two pre-Revolutionary French marks on the base: a gold assay mark and a maker’s mark; the latter is partially worn and the letters “LP” may be tentatively discerned; without later standard Napoleonic marks.
Dimensions: Length: 4.7 cm.
Weight: 18 g.
Condition: Good.
Provenance: Private European collection; formerly Sotheby’s auction.
French gold snuff boxes of the second half of the 18th century occupy a significant place in the history of European decorative arts. Far from being merely utilitarian objects, they served as markers of social status and refined taste, closely associated with aristocratic, bourgeois, and intellectual circles. In France, the snuff box was an essential accessory of social life, diplomatic etiquette, and private gift-giving, often conveying sentiments of esteem, remembrance, or personal attachment.
Around 1795, France was undergoing a profound transitional period in the aftermath of the French Revolution. Despite political and social upheaval, artistic workshops continued to operate, preserving a high level of goldsmithing and enamelling expertise. During this time, smaller, more intimate snuff boxes intended for personal use became increasingly prevalent, in contrast to the more ostentatious objects of the Ancien Régime.
The enamel miniatures adorning such snuff boxes frequently drew inspiration from contemporary painting, theatre, and literature, reflecting the sentimental and emotional currents of the late 18th century. Scenes of farewell, travel, and maritime imagery symbolised both the realities of movement in the age and the inner emotional experiences shaped by historical change. The use of pearls in framing the miniature reinforced associations with purity, delicacy, and refined sentiment.
The combination of gold, enamel, miniature painting, and pearls demonstrates the high degree of specialisation achieved by French workshops at the end of the 18th century, where multiple artistic disciplines converged in a single object. Today, such snuff boxes are represented in major museum and private collections across Europe and are regarded as characteristic examples of the transition from Late Classicism to a more intimate and emotionally expressive artistic language at the turn of the 19th century.
Overall condition is good. The enamel miniature and blue enamel ground are well preserved, with no significant losses. The pearl setting is complete. Minor signs of wear and superficial surface marks are present, consistent with age and use, and do not detract from the artistic or collectible value of the object.
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.
