Monday, November 26, 2012

Gifts of Grandeur: The Morel Snuffbox, 1819-1832


Snuffbox
Nineteenth Century
This and all images from:
The Victoria & Albert Museum



The rustic paintings of Flemish artist David Teniers the Younger (1610-90) provided endless inspiration for enamel artists of the Nineteenth Century when Dutch and Flemish paintings were particularly fashionable. This snuffbox is an excellent example of that trend. 


From the collection of Sir Arthur and Rosalinde Gilbert, this rectangular snuffbox heralds from Paris. It consists of six enameled plaques which are painted with feast scenes. The panels are mounted in gold which is chased with shells, volutes and foliate designs. With its thumbpiece of emeralds and diamonds, it is wholly indicative of the work of Gabriel-Raoul Morel, likely made between 1810 and 1832.







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