A GILT-METAL MOUNTED MEISSEN BOMB SNUFF-BOX AND COVER

CIRCA 1740

Details

A GILT-METAL MOUNTED MEISSEN BOMB SNUFF-BOX AND COVER
Circa 1740
Painted with several views of gallants and companions promenading in the gardens of an Italian palazzo, reserved within gilt ombrierte rocaille trellis cartouches enriched with iron-red and purple scrolls, the interior of the cover with a similar view of the Villa Borghese, Rome, the underside with figures in a rustic Italian landscape, the interior of the box gilt
2.7/8in. (7.4cm.) wide

Lot Essay

The scene depicted is almost certainly after an engraving by Melchior Ksel for Johann Wilhelm Bauer. Ksel's Prospecte von Italian, Friaul, Carntehen, Augsburg, published in 1681, was used as the basis for many of the subjects on the Christie-Miller Service and was most certainly available for reference at the factory in the early 1740's.

It is interesting to note that the double staircase descending from the villa into the Borghese Gardens was destroyed over two hundred years ago. It has recently been re-built as part of a major renovation.