GENEVA, CIRCA 1775, MAKER'S MARK FM CROWNED

Details

A SWISS GOLD AND GEM-SET SNUFF BOX**
Geneva, circa 1775, maker's mark FM crowned
Rectangular, the cover, base and sides with Greek key border centering chased architectural panels, the thumbpiece with diamonds, the interior cover set with a portrait miniature, on ivory, of a young man, marked inside cover and base, the bezel with later French control marks, the miniature signed Sicardi
3 3/16in. (81mm.) long

Provenance

The Antique Porcelain Company, New York

Special notice

Notice Regarding the Sale of Ivory and Tortoiseshell Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing ivory or tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Lot Essay

Louis Sicardi (1743-1825) was one of the most celebrated French miniaturists of the late 18th Century. As a court painter to Louis XVI, he painted numerous portraits of the King which were mounted on jeweled presentation gold snuff-boxes distributed as diplomatic gifts by the service des présents du Roi.

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