Rectangular Silver Compartment Box, Netherlands, 19th Century

A curious rectangular box in embossed and engraved silver, fitted with small interior flaps and hidden compartments, finely decorated on all its surfaces with plant motifs and figurative scenes framed by leafy scrolls and foliage. The upper and lower faces present a cyclical narrative of the four seasons, each accompanied by a central scene and two lateral scenes illustrating daily, recreational, or agricultural activities specific to each time of year. The seasons are identified by cursive inscriptions in Dutch: Lente (spring), Zomer (summer), Herfst (autumn), and Winter (winter). Two sliding lateral bands reveal additional drypoint engravings on a burnished ground, depicting rural and nocturnal scenes with musicians and dancers, in a play of light and shadow enhanced by the contrast between the chased silver and the colored velvet backgrounds (blue and red). The inside of the lid is decorated with two small opening flaps, decorated with narrative scenes engraved on the inside and ornamental motifs on the outside.
The refinement of the engraving, the almost theatrical structuring of the compartments and the choice of subjects refer to the goldsmith tradition of Northern Europe, where "wonder dozen" – marvelous boxes – were produced intended to contain small precious objects, spices or tobacco.
Bears inside the hallmarks of the city of Sneek (Netherlands), in use from 1875 to 1909, as well as that of the goldsmith A. Groot Boersvia.

Dimensions: 12 × 5.4 × h. 3.5 cm
Weight: 269 gr.
Condition: very good; slight oxidation consistent with normal wear and tear.