Box with the composition "Alexander the Great and Diogenes" (after an engraving based on the original by Salvatore Rosa)
Box with the composition "Alexander the Great and Diogenes" (after an engraving based on the original by Salvatore Rosa)
Russian Empire, Saint Petersburg
The 1750–1770s
Silversmith: Köpping (Johan Fredrick Köpping) / J.F.
Silver; casting, chasing, cutting, carving, gilding
13.0 × 8.0 × 4.5 cm
Marks on the rim: maker's mark JFK (Johan Fredrick Köpping); Saint Petersburg city mark – two crossed anchors and a sceptre with the date (illegible) in semicircle; assay mark of the Saint Petersburg craftsman Ivan Frolov (activ 1738–1779) – I•Ѳ.
Silver‑gilt oval box with a hinged lid, on four scroll feet. The lid exterior surface is decorated with an openwork composition 'Alexander the Great and Diogenes,' based on an engraving after the original by Salvator Rosa. It depicts the encounter between Alexander the Great and the ancient Greek philosopher, as described in Plutarch’s 'Parallel Lives' (where Alexander offered the philosopher anything he desired. Diogenes replied: "Stand out of my light")."
1114MC567/ДПИ