French Gold Snuff Box With Enamels And Miniatures Signed “comiot”

France, Paris, ca. 1840–1860

18K gold (French hallmarks), cloisonné enamel over guilloché ground, painted enamel miniatures
Outstanding oval snuff box in solid 18-karat gold, an exquisite example of mid-19th century French goldsmithing. The surface is richly decorated with translucent green and blue enamels applied over guilloché engraving, framed by finely chased gold ornament in the Rococo revival style, with festoons, scrolls and floral motifs.
The box features six finely painted enamel miniatures, depicting allegorical and mythological scenes inspired by 18th-century French art. Elegant women, cupids and personifications of the arts and virtues are rendered with great finesse. One miniature bears the signature “Comiot”, attributed to Auguste-Joseph Comiot, a noted Parisian enamel painter active during the first half of the 19th century.
The interior lid bears French hallmarks: the eagle’s head for 18K gold (introduced in 1838) and a triangular maker’s mark, typical of Parisian workshops. This is a luxurious object of great refinement, intended for aristocratic or collector use, and preserved in exceptional condition.
Gr. 228