A Gold and Mosaic Snuff Box with view of Pavlovsk Palace, Swiss or Austrian, circa 1830

rectangular with bowed sides, engine-turned with formal foliage, applied with an Italian micromosaic scene of the palace from the lake, the sides with Russian inscription, maker's mark R.F. incuse and with Russian control marks

good condition
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The scene on this box - the yellow palace with its dome, the Pavilion of the Three Graces, the Great Stone Staircase down to the Slavanka - reproduces A. Bugreyev's view of the Palace from the Marienthal Pool, from the Atlas of the Pavlovsk Palace with Its Gardens, Hunting Grounds, and All Buildings Belonging Thereunto, likewise of the Town and Countryside, published in 1803.  The original watercolor is reproduced in A. Kuchumov, Pavlovsk Palace and Park, Leningrad, 1973, p. 13.

The Russian inscriptions records the gift of this box "From the Students F.M. Section, Moscow, 1831."