A two-colour gold and enamel boîte à miniatures

the cagework mounts Louis Roucel, charge mark of Julien Alaterre, Paris, 1770, the rim further engraved: Roucel  Orf. du Roy AParis, the lining with prestige marks



rectangular with cut corners, the lid, sides and base inset with miniatures, oil on card, of river and harbour subjects, after the manner of Vernet, each corner applied with a gold urn on translucent blue enamel over striped engine-turning, the frames chased with acanthus

The Property of a Lady of Title, Christie's Geneva, 15 November 1983, lot 629

Very good condition. The hinge has probably been repaired causing some slight unevenness on the interior mount. Minor pin pricks to lid lining.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

One of the most important orfèvres-bijoutiers of his time, Louis Roucel did not become master by Royal prerogative until 23 August 1763, sponsored by Alexis Porcher, some years after his first recorded works. In 1759 Roucel is recorded in the house of  sieur Ducrollay in the place Dauphine, whence les Affiches de Paris announced on 12 January 1764 that he had moved to the quai de l'Horloge, près de la porte du Palais, au Gros Raisin, au Ier where he remained until 1776. Between 1763 and 1776 Roucel's name frequently appeared in the records of the Menus-Plaisirs du Roi, receiving 4,800 livres for jewels supplied on the occasion of the marriage of the Dauphin to Marie Antoinette in 1770. Louis Roucel's death is recorded on 6 March 1787 in Puteaux, then a small village, over the Seine to the west of Paris.