Museum – Corozo Snuffbox – Napoleon Writing A Letter – Folk Art

Late 19th century France Finely carved ovoid snuffbox made from a corozo nut, depicting a figure in imperial uniform, seated in the middle of nature, busy writing a letter. Wearing a bicorn hat, a frock coat with epaulettes and boots, he is depicted in profile, concentrating, pen in hand, in front of a large open notebook placed on a rustic desk. The scene is framed by two stylized trees, with symmetrical branches evoking pine cones, in a balanced and intimate composition. The figure's meditative attitude, his voluntary isolation in nature, as well as the care taken with his uniform indicate a popular representation of Napoleon I, no longer perceived as a war leader but as a human and introspective figure, in the romantic vein of the Napoleonic myth disseminated under the Second Empire and continued under the Third Republic. The decoration is enriched with a floral frieze around the edge of the lid, small raised motifs and a finely speckled background. The interior of the snuffbox, carefully hollowed out, retains its original riveted brass hinge. The reverse is left unfinished except for a peripheral decorative band. Popular French work from the end of the 19th century, made with remarkable precision in a corozo with a beautiful patina, probably from a craftsman or a small workshop specializing in miniature devotional or collectible objects. Note: discreet wear from use, uniform brown patina, tiny play at the hinge, no missing parts. Note: the scene, although unsigned, is part of a popular commemorative tradition of the character of Napoleon, seen here from a domestic and almost melancholic angle, contrary to heroic representations. Dimensions: 7cm (width) Delivery: all deliveries are handled by DHL Express only.