Lot 773
  • 773

Two painted enamel boxes with silver or gilt-metal mounts, French and English, circa 1640 and later

Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Two painted enamel boxes with silver or gilt-metal mounts, French and English, circa 1640 and later
  • ivory, copper, gilt metal, enamel
  • 7cm., 2 3/4 in. wide ; 5.7cm., 2 1/4 in. diameter
the first, circular, double-opening with two enamel panels, probably formerly watch cases, Paris or Blois, circa 1640, one depicting Diana the Huntress, the other the Virgin Mary, the interior painted with a landscape, opening to reveal a portrait on each side, one on ivory, depicting a white-wigged gentleman with red coat, probably English, circa 1700, the other, oil on copper, depicting a white-wigged gentleman with a brown coat, probably English, circa 1730, 18th century gilt mounts ; the second, a silver snuff box, oval, the enamel lid painted with a portrait of Queen Anne of England (1702-1714), gilt interior, trace of maker's mark only

Condition

1. good condition apart from a tiny loss to enamel plaque on left hand side, by silver rim 2. both enamel panels cracked and restored. Portraits worn, especially the one with red coat.
"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

The enamel panels on the first box can be attributed to Paris or Blois, and the landscapes are inspired by the Toutin workshop, see Peter Friess, The Emergence of the Portable Watch, Patek Philippe Museum, 2015, vol. III, chap. 3.1,  and 3.2.