Lot 718
  • 718

A small gold and enamel box, Louis Galopin, Geneva, circa 1800

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
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Description

  •  A small gold and enamel box, Louis Galopin, Geneva, circa 1800
  • gold, enamel
  • 6.4cm., 2 3/4 in. wide
rectangular with cut corners, the lid painted en plein with Venus and Adonis, against a dark blue ground ornamented elaborately with coloured paillons, pale blue border, maker's incuse mark, cockerel's head control and later French eagle's head

Condition

overall very 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. 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."

Catalogue Note

Louis Galopin (II, 1767-1831) became master bijoutier in Geneva in 1795, his masterpiece being 'un étui en or émaillé'. He entered into partnership with Samuel Darier (see lot 733) in 1807 until 1812. For fuller information about his life and career, see Haydn Williams ed., Enamels of the World - The Khalili Collections, London, 2009, no. 217, p. 312.
The present box, although small, displays an extraordinary mastery of unusually complex as well as visually pleasing enamelling techniques. The decoration combines painting en plein with translucent enamels which incorporate variously-coloured foil paillons with opaque enamel elements.