boîte en vermeil par Antoine Daroux, Paris, 1759-1760

de forme cartouche, le couvercle et dessous ornés de petits paysans dans un cadre rocaille (étiquette PJB 96)



of cartouche form, the lid and base chased with peasant children within elaborate rococo scrollwork, maker's mark, charge and discharge marks of Eloi Brichard, label PJB 96

The lid and thumbpiece slightly battered, slight wear throughout, a repair on front left corner of rim.
"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."

Antoine Daroux was apprenticed to François Saltret at the age of 16 in 1724. He was received master in 1735, sponsored by Jean-Baptiste Charbonné, a silversmith  known for his silver mounts for porcelain and enamel boxes. Antoine Daroux, a prolific maker, also seems to have specialised in making silver and silver-gilt boxes as well as providing the mounts for boxes in various materials. For a silver example chased with garlands (1745/6), a silver-gilt box chased with peasant figures (1755/6), both in the Metropolitan Museum of Art,  a silver-mounted lacquer box (1743/4), all struck with Daroux's mark and illustrated by Clare Le Corbeiller, European and American Snuff Boxes 1730-1830, London, 1966, nos. 416-418. Daroux continued to work at various addresses until his death, on 17 September 1789 is recorded 'devant la porte du grand prieuré de France'.

 

Antoine daroux fut apprenti auprès de François Saltret à l'âge de 16 ans en 1724. Il accéda à la maîtrise en 1735, applegé par