Snuffbox In Composition Imitating Porphyry & Engraving Of A Parisian House. 18th-19th Century

A superb box dating from the late 18th or early 19th century with a miniature engraving.

The box is round, made of a composition imitating porphyry-type stone, speckled with green. A band of terracotta forms the inner rim.

The lid is adorned with an engraving depicting the house of Monsieur de Vanne, a very fine Parisian neoclassical house, typical of the late 18th century.

This engraving comes from plate IV of the "Recueil des plus belles maisons et des plus beaux édifices de la ville de Paris" (Collection of the Most Beautiful Houses and Buildings of the City of Paris), by Antoine-Joseph Gaité, published in Paris by Pierre Jean around 1785-1790.

The engraving is enhanced by a gilt brass band.

It is likely that the owner of this house commissioned this snuffbox, having received it as a gift from a friend following the publication of this work depicting his house.

Magnificent box made at the turn of the 18th century, featuring a beautiful architectural engraving, which is relatively rare on this type of object.

7.8 cm in diameter
2.6 cm in height

91.5 grams

Good condition. A crack without loss on the side; two small surface chips on the inside of the glass, barely visible; wear to the gilding on the rim.

Collection in Paris or shipping via insured Colissimo.

France: €15
Europe: €20
Rest of the world: €35