A masterpiece of 18th century jewellery art, a rare double-compartment snuffbox carved from solid natural agate and mounted in 18 carat gold. The exceptional combination of precious materials, virtuoso execution and a carefully conceived mythological subject makes this object an outstanding example of Rococo decorative art.
The body is entirely formed from monolithic agate, without the use of veneers or applied stone elements. The stone is meticulously carved and polished, revealing an expressive natural structure with smooth transitions from smoky grey and olive tones to rich honey-amber hues, creating a striking sense of depth and inner luminosity. Such a level of workmanship was achievable only through the use of high-quality stone of considerable size, underscoring the prestigious nature of the commission.
The snuffbox features a complex dual-compartment construction with two independent hinged lids, a rare and technically demanding solution for the mid-18th century. This structural feature is directly linked to the object’s iconographic programme and allegorically refers to the myth of Venus and Adonis, symbolising separation, death and ultimate reunion as an image of eternal love and cyclical renewal of nature.
The exterior of the lids is adorned with high-relief gold compositions depicting Venus and Adonis surrounded by Cupids. The scenes are set within asymmetrical Rococo cartouches and enriched with elaborate floral and foliate ornament. The sculptural treatment is distinguished by strong plasticity, refined modelling of the figures and meticulous attention to decorative detail, characteristic of court art of the Rococo period.
The interior of both compartments is likewise fully carved from agate and preserves the stone’s natural pictorial pattern, without any metal liners. The ceremonial character of the object is enhanced by old-cut diamonds set into the front sections of the lids. The central and lower bands of the body are decorated with applied gold garlands and Rococo scrolls, harmoniously uniting stone and metal into a cohesive artistic ensemble.
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SILVER Seller in Alpes-Maritimes, France
