-Swiss 1825 Archimedes Enameled Snuff-Box In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Pearls

An early 19th century Swiss enameled gold snuff-box 

This is fabulous antique snuff-box, created in Geneva Switzerland in the first quarter of the 19th century, circa 1825. The stupendous box has been designed with neoclassical Louis XVI patterns in a rectangular shape with chamfered cut corners. It was carefully crafted with exceptional craftmanship in solid yellow gold of 18 karats and embellished with applications of lustrous shiny black glass enamel and borders fillets stripes, accented in opaque white enamel. The box is decorated in the center with a polychromate squared panel depicting the painting of Vincenzo Dandini (1609-1675) of the draped figure of Archimedes working in a window and holding a compass over architectural plans. This central panel is surrounded by fifty-six round pearls. The sides and base are similarly decorated, the base is enameled with organic motifs scrolls. The lid is fitted with a concealed hinge of thirteen barrels. The box can be attributed to the Geneva workshop of Guidon, Giet & Blondet.

                    Vincenzo Dandini                                         Archimedes

Vincenzo Dandini (1607–1675)

He was an Italian painter of the Baroque period, active mainly in Florence. He was a pupil of his elder brother, Cesare Dandini and studied at the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno in Florence. He then moved to Rome and worked in the studio of Pietro da Cortona. He painted an Immaculate Conception and other canvases for the church of Ognissanti, Florence. He painted a fresco of the Aurora and the Hours for the Villa del Poggio Imperiale. He painted a canvas on oil of Sacrifice of Niobe for the Villa La Petraja. He also produced designs for the Medici tapestry factory. Among his pupils were Giovanni Battista Marmi and Antonio Domenico Gabbiani. His nephew Pietro and his two children, Ottaviano and Vincenzo the younger, also worked as painters in his studio.

Pearls: Mount in inlaid flush settings, with 56 graduated round natural gray-white split-pearls of 3 mm.

Weight: 141.60 Grams, (90.77 Dwt).

Measurements: 86 mm by 65 mm by 21 mm (3.38 x 2.56 x 0.83 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped twice with Swiss marks for the maker's mark and the assay of the 18 karats gold.

Literature: Christies, 10 June 2008, Important Portrait Miniatures and Gold Boxes, Lot-42, for a very similar piece illustrated.

Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Condition: The overall condition of this box is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The pearls and the enamel are secured in their settings. This box has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D060524MNNNS/3.403