tabatière en émail, Autriche ou Allemagne du Sud, vers 1775

ovale, peinte de scènes campagnardes, de personnages se reposant, pêchant ou visitant un château, l'intérieur d'un jardinier amoureux présentant ses nombreux légumes, les montures en métal doré à décor de rinceaux et rosaces

oval, painted overall with lively peasant subjects, groups of figures relaxing, fishing or visiting the local castle, the interior with an amorous gardener delivering a profusion of fresh vegetables, scroll and rosette-stamped gilt-metal mounts

Some discreet restoration on back panel. An unusual, colourful and cheerful box.
"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."

Bien que ces scènes soient inspirées de peintures flamandes, la tabatière peut tout à fait être d'origine autrichienne ou bien d'Allemagne du Sud. Philipp Ernst Schindler II par exemple, peintre sur tabatière le plus connu à Vienne durant la secone moitié du XVIIIe siècle, s'inspirait de gravures publiées d'après les peintures de David Teniers Le Jeune. Pour plusieurs modèles, voir A. Somers Cocks & C. Truman, The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, Renaissance jewels, gold boxes, etc., London, 1984, pp. 286-9.

Although the subjects on this snuffbox appear to be derived from Flemish paintings, this does not exclude an Austrian or South German origin. Philipp Ernst Schindler II, the best-known enamel painter on gold boxes in Vienna during the second half of the 18th century frequently drew from prints after paintings by David Teniers the Younger. For several examples, see A. Somers Cocks & C. Truman, The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, Renaissance jewels, gold boxes, etc., London, 1984, pp. 286-9.