Snuffbox with Mars, Venus and Cupid
Snuffbox with Mars, Venus and Cupid
Ireland, Dublin
Circa 1745
Currie, William
Gold; chasing, engraving
2.4 × 6.9 × 5.8 cm
Maker’s mark WC beneath a fleur-de-lys; Hibernia mark; monogram HN on base
Gold boxes from Dublin are very uncommon at this date and it is probable that the chased lid panel, or even the whole box with its excellent hinges, was ordered from a London chaser, which might explain the incomplete set of marks. The subject of the plaque appears to represent Mars and Venus watching Cupid who has presumably borrowed Mars’s helmet and sword while they were otherwise engaged. The base is engraved with a mirrored monogram HN.
4165MC381/ДПИ