Snuffbox with a miniature depicting Hercules at the crossroads
Snuffbox with a miniature depicting Hercules at the crossroads
Germany, Hanau
Circa 1819
Miniature by F. Linck, Charles Collins & Söhne
Mother-of-pearl, three-color gold, pearls; chasing, "en plein" (matte) painted enamel, inlay, champlevé enamel, pouncing
2.2 x 8.9 x 6.1 cm, 144 gr
On the lid inner side is a quality control mark corresponding to 18-karat gold in a circular shield with a "CK monogram" (twice), and the firm mark for "Charles Collins & Söhne" in a vertically oriented diamond-shaped shield "CCS"
The snuffbox features a three-color gold rectangular case with rounded corners and a hinged lid. The lid is adorned with rectangular enamel plaque depicting three figures in antique attire: Hercules (?) or the ancient Greek goddess Athena Pallas, choosing between Vice and Virtue. The miniature is enclosed within a pearl border and raised gold vegetal ornament against a matte background. The sides are decorated with gold and blue enamel ornament in the form of lilies and scrolls, with stylized blue enamel columns at the corners. The base is decorated with a rectangular gold plaque featuring geometric "scale" or scalloped pattern, framed by foliate ornament, with stylized floral rosettes in dark blue champlevé enamel against matte background at the corners.
2270/ДПИ