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COMFIT BOX (BONBONNIÈRE) WITH AN ALLEGORICAL SCENE

Creator(s): Unknown

Currently in storage


About this object

On the top of the box for sweets (bonbonnière) is an oval medallion containing a scene in niello of a seated man in peasant costume who draws back in amazement as a figure in classical dress holding a spray of leaves emerges from the clouds above him. The scene is framed by swags of drapery and bouquets of flowers in niello. The background is engraved in a fish scale pattern bordered by a rinceau in niello. Around the sides are four village scenes alternating with flower and leaf motifs. On the underneath is a second medallion with a scene of a fanciful building with columns. It is also framed with swags of drapery and bouquets with an engraved fish scale pattern.

Object name:
COMFIT BOX (BONBONNIÈRE) WITH AN ALLEGORICAL SCENE
Made from:
Silver gilt -- niello
Made in:
Moscow, Russia
Date made:
1791
Size:
1.5 × 8.6 cm (5/8 × 3 3/8 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
13.120.1-2
Class:
NIELLO
Signature marks:
MARK inside on bottom: St. George and the Dragon for Moscow, 1791 in a square; same marks appear inside lid
Credit line:
Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973