A SWISS ENAMELLED GOLD SNUFF-BOX
Lot 246

A SWISS ENAMELLED GOLD SNUFF-BOX

GENEVA, CIRCA 1820

Fermé1 June 2020

Prix réalisé

GBP 8,750

Plus d'informations

Comment vendre

A SWISS ENAMELLED GOLD SNUFF-BOX
GENEVA, CIRCA 1820
rectangular box in the shape of a purse, the cover, sides and base with taille d’épargne white enamel fruit and leaves, the cover with a chased gold foliate clasp enamelled in translucent dark-blue over an enamel scene depicting Heracles capturing the Ceryneian Hind
3¾ in. (94 mm.) wide

Note du spécialiste

In Greek mythology, the Ceryneian Hind, also called Cerynitis or the Golden Hind, was an enormous hind that lived in Keryneia, Greece. It had golden antlers like a stag and hooves of bronze or brass, and it was said that it could outrun an arrow in flight. It was sacred to Artemis, the chaste goddess of the hunt, animals, and unmarried women. The capture of the hind was the third labour of Heracles. Born in Thebes Heracles, or Hercules in Roman mythology, was a divine hero in Greek mythology and was the greatest of the Greek heroes. A paragon of masculinity, he was the Gatekeeper of Olympus, patron of gymnasia and divine protector of mankind.