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| Click Image to Enlarge Snuffbox Presented to Nathaniel Dimsdale by Catherine II Foil-backed diamonds and vari-colored gold Russia or Germany, 1768 This and all related images from: The Victoria & Albert Museum |
Thomas Dimsdale (1712-1800) was an English doctor and staunch advocate of the practice of inoculation against smallpox. That seems reasonable. Dimsdale was summoned by the Russian ambassador to advise Catherine II during the Russian smallpox epidemic of 1768.
The Empress was so impressed by the success of the potentially dangerous treatment that she created Dimsdale a Baron of the Russian Empire, a councilor of state and personal physician to the Empress. Good gig. Furthermore, Dimsdale’s work garnered him the favor of the British Empire and he was awarded a princely sum of £10,000 plus an annuity and works of art.
As was the practice when this box was made (1768), the diamonds are foil-backed to increase their luster. Many of them are backed in pink foil to give the impression of rare pink diamonds. At some point, the box became part of the collection of Sir Arthur and Rosalinde Gilbert who bequeathed their impressive lot of important “stuff” to the V&A. This box has long been accompanied by a miniature portrait of Thomas, 1st Baron Dimsdale, which was enameled by Henry Bone in 1800 in the final year of the famed doctor’s life.
3 comments:
My 3rd great Aunt Finetta Pye married the 3rd Baron Dimsdale, Robert. I have heard the story of the first Baron and Catherine the Great of Russia, so very interesting to see the boxes. I consider them part of my Family History.
Neat! Great to hear from you.
Since I last commented on this post 6 years ago, Ihave learned through the V&A,that the box was purchased by the Gilbert's from an auction in Vienna sometime gack in the 70's. Last known Dimsdale owner was Anne, the sister of the 3rd Baron, Robert.
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