Live Auction 20036Two Private Collections of European Ceramics, Gold Boxes and Silver
A SWISS ENAMELLED GOLD SNUFF-BOX
Lot 29

A SWISS ENAMELLED GOLD SNUFF-BOX

BY JEAN GEORGE RÉMOND & COMPAGNIE, GENEVA, 1804-1811

Closed16 December 2021

Price Realised

GBP 25,000

Considering selling a similar item?

Discover its value with a complimentary estimate from our specialists.

More Information

Conditions of Sale
How to sell

A SWISS ENAMELLED GOLD SNUFF-BOX
BY JEAN GEORGE RÉMOND & COMPAGNIE, GENEVA, 1804-1811
Rectangular box with rounded corners, the cover set with an enamel plaque depicting Virgil reading the Aeneid to Octavia and Augustus within taille d'épargne enamelled leaf border, the sides and base set with panels of diaperwork engine-turning enamelled in deep blue and black, with taille d'épargne acanthus leaf motif at each corner
3 1⁄2 in. (90 mm.) wide

Specialist note


The scene featured on the cover depicts the story of Virgil reading the Aeneid to the Roman Emperor Augustus (r. 31 b.c. - a.d. 14), his wife Livia, and his sister Octavia. As the poet recites the words "Tu Marcellus eris" ("Marcellus you shall be"), Octavia faints upon hearing the name of her dead son. Livia, who is believed to have commanded the murder of Marcellus, holds her and appears impassive. Marcellus was Augustus' nephew and adoptive son; when he died, Livia's son Tiberius became heir to the throne.
The scene appears to be after the painting by Angelica Kauffmann, dated 1788, and now in the Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg. Angelica Kauffmann was a favourite choice of inspiration for Swiss enamellers and many of her works are featured on snuff-boxes.