A SWISS TWO-COLOUR GOLD SNUFF-BOX

GENEVA, CIRCA 1815/1820, MAKER'S MARK S C, STRUCK WITH THE SWISS MARK FOR 14 CARAT GOLD

Details

A SWISS TWO-COLOUR GOLD SNUFF-BOX
GENEVA, CIRCA 1815/1820, MAKER'S MARK S C, STRUCK WITH THE SWISS MARK FOR 14 CARAT GOLD
rectangular box with canted corners, the cover and base engine-turned with diaper-pattern centred with ribbon-shaped reserves, the cover chased with a classical scene of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom carrying in her right hand a statue of Nike, Goddess of Speed, Strength and Victory, the base with trophies of learning and the arts on a sablé ground, within reeded frames with polished ovolos and chased acanthus borders, the sides with panels of horizontal reeding, the four corners with chased foliage on frosted ground
3½ in. (90 mm.) wide
3½ oz. (100 gr.)

Brought to you by

Mary O'Connell

Check the condition report or get in touch for additional information about this

mo'connell@christies.com +44 (0)20 7752 3026

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

Athena was in an early form a goddess of war, hence her weapons of spear, shield and helmet. She was also a patroness of institutions of learning and of the arts as well as patroness of many household crafts, especially spinning and weaving. But above all, to the Greeks and Romans, during the Renaissance and later she was the goddess of wisdom. She was also a symbol of the Republic during the French revolution. Nike was the goddess of strength, speed and victory. She was a very close acquaintance of Athena, and is thought to have stood in Athena's outstretched hand in the statue of Athena located in the Parthenon.

More from Centuries of Style: Silver, European Ceramics, Glass, Portrait Miniatures and Gold Boxes

View All