Miniature Round Amboina Magnifying Glass Case, European Origin, J. Lalande, 19th Century

Round made of burl amboyna wood, with the lid decorated with a grisaille-camaieu miniature signed by J. Lalande and depicting the myth of the abduction of Europa* by Zeus, who had transformed himself into a bull, dating from the 19th century.

This box is in good condition and is of superb quality.

Please note: a few slight scratches, minimal soiling, and signs of age; see photos.

* According to one version of the myth, Europa, daughter of Agenor, king of Tyr, a city in Phoenicia (modern-day Lebanon), had a dream. That very day, Zeus met her on a beach in Sidon, transformed himself into a white bull so he could approach her without frightening her and to escape the jealousy of his wife Hera. Europa approached him. Riding the animal, she was carried off to the island of Crete, to Gortyn. In Gortyn, under a plane tree, which has remained evergreen ever since, Europa made love to Zeus, who had assumed human form this time. From their union were born Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Sarpedon, who went into exile in Miletus, Anatolia. Later, Europa was given by Zeus as a wife to the king of Crete, Asterion.

• Diameter 7.2 cm
• Height 3 cm
• Miniature: 4.7 cm
• Reference: E10 795
• All photos are available at:
  www.antiques-delaval.com