THE CASE, GENEVA, CIRCA 1840; THE PORTRAIT MINIATURE BY FLORENTIN DE CRAENE (BELGIAN, 1795-1852)

Details

A SWISS JEWELLED ENAMELLED GOLD MINAUDIERE SET WITH A MINIATURE
THE CASE, GENEVA, CIRCA 1840; THE PORTRAIT MINIATURE BY FLORENTIN DE CRAENE (BELGIAN, 1795-1852)
shaped rectangular, the detachable cover and base set with alternating translucent green and blue enamel stripes on an engine-turned ground with scrolling gold taille d’épargne foliage, the body set with a portrait miniature, on ivory, of a lady possibly from the court of Queen Isabella II of Spain (1830-1904), within a diamond-set frame, the interior lined with red velvet, workshop stamp '18' on bezel
5 3/8 in. (138 mm.) high

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.

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Lot Essay

Florentin de Craene was born in Tournay, Belgium, where he studied drawing and developed a skill for lithography which won him various awards in the annual exhibitions. In 1821 de Craene went to Paris where he studied painting with Baron Gros, and continued to practise the art of lithography. His reputation spread to Madrid, where he was invited to the court. He arrived in Spain in 1825 and produced lithographies of the collection of King Ferdinand VII. De Craene remained in Spain and became Queen Isabella II's court painter after the death of the king. For a similar jewelled box set with miniatures of Isabella II and Maria Christina by de Craene see M. Tomás, La miniatura retrato en España, Spain, 1953, pl. LXXXVII.

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