Gold Boxes, Ceramics & Silver
Gold Boxes, Ceramics & Silver
A gold, enamel and pearl snuff box, Sené & Détalla, Geneva, circa 1795
Lot Closed
May 26, 12:16 PM GMT
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
A gold, enamel and pearl snuff box, Sené & Détalla
Geneva, circa 1795
oval, the lid inset with an oval panel painted with the meeting between Edwin and Elfrida following her marriage to Athelstan, after the painting by Angelica Kauffmann, within gold paillon laurel, split pearl border, the sides and base decorated with translucent dark blue enamel over moiré engine-turning within pale blue enamel and gold paillon borders, the side dividers with garland-hung vases between white columns on pale blue enamel, maker's incuse mark, in modern red leather fitted case
8.6cm., 3 3/8in. wide
2
According to legend, King Edgar the Peaceful (reigned circa 957-975) sent his adopted brother Athelstan to arrange his marriage to the lovely Elfrida (Aelfthryth). Athelstan was so fascinated by her charms that he promptly married her himself telling Edgar meanwhile that her reputation as a beauty was overrated. Edgar was suspicious and decided to see for himself. He was furious at being deceived and promptly married Elfrida, as originally planned, after Athelstan was conveniently killed in a 'hunting accident'.
In Kauffmann's painting, Edgar, in plumed hat, first sets eyes on Elfrida, while Athelstan, looking shifty, lurks behind. Although the painting was first shown to great public acclaim in 1771 at the Royal Academy, it is said the artist had problems selling it at first although it had been acquired by John Parker, later Lord Boringdon, by 1775. It was later engraved by William Wynne Ryland and the print published in 1786 (fig. 1). The original painting now hangs at Saltram in Devon.