Live Auction 20036Two Private Collections of European Ceramics, Gold Boxes and Silver
A SWISS ENAMELLED GOLD SNUFF-BOX SET WITH AN ENAMEL PLAQUE
Lot 25

A SWISS ENAMELLED GOLD SNUFF-BOX SET WITH AN ENAMEL PLAQUE

BY JEAN GEORGE RÉMOND & COMPAGNIE (FL. 1783-CIRCA 1820), GENEVA, CIRCA 1815

Closed16 December 2021

Price Realised

GBP 22,500

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A SWISS ENAMELLED GOLD SNUFF-BOX SET WITH AN ENAMEL PLAQUE
BY JEAN GEORGE RÉMOND & COMPAGNIE (FL. 1783-CIRCA 1820), GENEVA, CIRCA 1815
Rectangular box with canted corners, the sides and base set with panels enamelled in a diaper-work pattern in dark blue with black borders, over a moiré pattern engine-turned ground enamelled in translucent dove-grey, within white enamel frames, the sablé cover chased with fruiting vines and foliage set with a rectangular enamel miniature depicting Hercules leading Alcestis from the underworld back to her husband Admetus, between two gold allegorical figures each bearing a cornucopia and within a blue enamel frame
3 3⁄4 in. (94 mm.) wide

Property of a gentleman; Christie's, London, 6 June 2017, lot 40.

Specialist note


The subject of the enamel plaque depicts Hercules bringing Alcestis back to her husband Admetus by Louis Desplaces (1682-1739), after Antoine Coypel (1661-1722), and is derived from the play Alcestis by Euripedes, written in 438 BC.

When King Admetus fell ill, it was decided by the gods that he could live if another person willingly took his place in death. The King's wife, Alcestis, offered herself in his place and as he recovered, she descended into the Underworld. However, Hercules went down to Hades to rescue her and as testament to their love, the couple were both allowed to live.
One of Geneva's most celebrated case-makers, Jean-Georges Rémond, was a renowned 'monteur de boîtes en or' or maker of gold cases. In 1790 he founded Georges Rémond & Cie, excelling in elaborate gold cases for watches and snuff boxes, often destined for export to the Orient.