Snuff Box, Bonaparte, First Consul, Circa 1800

Rectangular in shape and delicately framed by a rose gold border, with rounded corners and a hinge, this exquisite snuffbox is made of pressed horn powder, dyed and lacquered black on the outside and yellow on the inside.

The lid is set with an oval Cristalo-Cerame medallion, double-circled in gold, depicting Bonaparte, First Consul.

This marks the very beginning of the Cristalo-Cerame technique!

A rare example of First Consul Bonaparte depicted in this material from this period.

Purity, elegance, and simplicity are the hallmarks of this beautiful object in the Directoire style, also known as the Messidor style.

Understated and majestic due to the materials used, this piece is still fully imbued with the Directoire style.

Engraving conferring upon Bonaparte the title of First Consul (December 24, 1799).

Bust of Bonaparte as Consul, bareheaded and wearing a trimmed jacket.

This portrait of Bonaparte was used in several medal designs, including those commemorating the 1800 assassination attempt and the recognition of the City of Lille in 1803.

Length: 9.5 cm.

Width: 5 cm.

Height: 2.5 cm.

France.

Consulate.

As is, a small section of the gold trim is missing from the back of the lid, and there are micro-cracks on either side of the snuffbox.