Lot 58
  • 58

A SMALL FOUR-COLOUR GOLD SNUFF BOX, DOMINIQUE-FRANÇOIS POITREAU, PARIS, 1768 |

Estimate
5,000 - 8,000 EUR
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Description

  • 6.8cm, 2 5/8 in wide, 106.9gr.
oval, the lid and base with shaped cartouches chased with pastoral trophies on a polished ground within garland borders, the sides with musical trophies and nosegays on a similar ground divided by swagged pilasters, maker's mark, charge and discharge marks of Julien Alaterre, Paris date letter for 1768

Condition

Some time wear on base and hinge repaired but otherwise 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

Unusually for a goldsmith, Dominique-François was the son of a landscape and portrait painter and member of the Académie Royale, Etienne Poitreau. He was apprenticed at the age of 16, in 1741, to Pierre Ferrat and became master, sponsored by the gold box maker Pierre-François Delafons, in 1757. He lived and worked in the Cour Neuve du Palais until his retirement in 1781. There are chased gold boxes by Poitreau in the Louvre, the Victoria & Albert and other museums. Surprisingly his mark was one of the most commonly copied by later makers and affixed to quite unsuitable boxes as identified by Charles Truman (The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, Renaissance jewels, gold boxes, etc., London, 1984,