Snuff Box, Bonaparte, First Consul, Circa 1800

Very finely rectangular in shape surrounded by a rose gold net, with a rounded corner and hinge, this sublime snuffbox is made of pressed horn powder, tinted and lacquered black on the outside and yellow on the inside. The lid is encased with an oval crystal-ceramic doubly rimmed in gold representing Bonaparte, first consul. The very beginning of this invention that is crystal ceramic! Rare example of the first consul Bonaparte in this matter from this time. Purity, elegance and simplicity are the watchwords of this beautiful object of the Directoire style or also called Messidor style Sober and majestic due to the materials used, this piece is still fully imbued with the Cliché Directory style conferring on Bonaparte the title of First Consul (December 24, 1799). Bust of Bonaparte as consul, bare head and lined jacket. This portrait of Bonaparte was used in several medal compositions, including that of the attack of 1800 or of the recognition of the City of Lille in 1803. Length 9.5 cm. width 5 cm. Height 2.5 cm. France. Consulate. As is, small lack of gold thread on the back of the lid and micro cracks on each side of the snuff box.