MAKER'S MARK A D, GENEVA, CIRCA 1815, THE MINIATURE BY DOMENICO BOSSI (1765-1853), SIGNED 'BOSSI' (LOWER RIGHT)

Details

A SWISS JEWELLED PARCEL-ENAMELLED GOLD SNUFF-BOX SET WITH A PORTRAIT MINIATURE
MAKER'S MARK A D, GENEVA, CIRCA 1815, THE MINIATURE BY DOMENICO BOSSI (1765-1853), SIGNED 'BOSSI' (LOWER RIGHT)

rectangular box with rounded corners, the sablé cover centred with a glazed oval portrait miniature, on ivory, believed to be Prince Constantin Lubomirski (1786-1870), a Polish colonel serving in the Russian army, in military uniform, wearing the Russian ribbon of the Imperial Order of St. Andrew and the Maltese cross, in a silver-mounted diamond-set frame with chased foliate surround set with old-cut diamonds at each corner, five various silver-mounted old-cut diamonds on either side, the sides and base set with panels of engine-turning with taille d'épargne dark-blue enamel foliate borders and corners
3 5/8 in. (90 mm.) wide

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Sale room notice

France currently has restrictions on the sale and commercial movement of all elephant ivory items, including pre-1947 “antique” elephant ivory items. Christie’s is unable to arrange shipments of any elephant ivory lots to France until further guidance is issued by the French authorities. Bidders who intend to ship an ivory lot to France bid at their own risk. A delay or inability to export elephant ivory is not grounds to cancel the purchase of a lot, and buyers remain responsible for all storage charges that accrue in accordance with the Conditions of Sale.

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Dido Penny

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Lot Essay

The House of Lubomirski is a Polish princely family who have been involved in the history of Poland since the 10th century. The economic foundation of the family came from the development of salt mines in Kraków province leased from the government. The family also established private mines in Małopolska province. The financial rewards from the salt trade allowed the family to purchase many properties and to build on its economic position over many generations. The combined estates were eventually to become the third largest holding in the Republic of Poland, enabling the family to enjoy political, military and economic influence in the country. Prince Constantin Lubomirski (1786-1870) served as a colonel in the 1st Regiment of Russian Foot Guards.

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