Unlike many snuffboxes where the decoration of the lid and base differ, on this example the goldsmith has sought to make them identical. The compositional format, comprising a floral spray within a leafy frame reserved against a finely engraved ground, was established in Paris in the mid-century, often making use of basse taille and painted enamel to highlight and enrich the design. On this box made of gold of a single hue the design has been defined and colour suggested by exploiting the play of light on chasing of differing depths and polish, and by varying the patterns of the engraved ground.

minimize...