Gold Box with Cut Sides, 1790s

Rectangular gold box with cut sides. The hinged gold lid is adorned with concentric lines framed by a floral frieze of foliage on amati gold background. The frame is composed of four panels adorned with with parallel stripes and in the angles with cut-off sides with pattern of draped urns. This type of snuff box is characteristic of the Neoclassic style that appeared at the end of the 18th century, breaking away from the rich, asymmetric Rocaille style. This box, with its geometric decoration and its carefully studied play with light, belongs to Neoclassicism. Late 18th century – Early 19th century. Master goldsmith: Jacques Guillemot, registered in 1783. Hallmark: cock 3, 1798-1809, Paris. Guarantee mark: ram’s head, Paris. Hallmark: 18-carat eagle. Jacques-Alexandre Guillemot first became master in 1783 sponsored by Jean-Antoine Robiquet, entering a mark on 18 July from the pont au Change where he remained until 1787 when he moved to the rue de la Barillerie until 1793. He entered a post-revolutionary mark for bijouterie: le tout around 1800 and is recorded in various almanacs at 42 quai des Orfèvres until around 1810.

Height: 0.6 in (15 mm)Width: 3.35 in (85 mm)Depth: 1.5 in (38 mm)