Beschreibung:

AN IMPORTANT LOUIS XV JEWELLED AND ENAMELLED GOLD PRESENTATION SNUFF-BOX by Jean Ducrollay, marked, Paris, 1754/1755, with charge and discharge marks of Julien Berthe and inventory number 129, the miniature German School, signed with initial `H' and dated 1768 Rectangular box, the cover and base enamelled en plein with scènes champêtres , the four sides with lakeside landscapes and ruins, the cover and base enamels within chased reeded and burnished gold borders hung with floral swags emerging from a pair of cornucopiae on the top and flowing through vases of flowers on the sides and joining a basket of flowers on the base, the sides similarly chased with shellwork and garlands, the corners chased with elaborate c-scrolls, pierced foliate thumbpiece studded with rose-cut diamonds; the inside of the lid inset with a glazed rectangular miniature painted on vellum with the portrait of Landgravine Wilhelmine Caroline of Hesse-Cassel née Princess of Denmark, facing right in low-cut blue dress with jewelled breast-piece, embroidered lace bordered decollete and sleeves, the badge of the Royal Danish Order of the Perfect Union pinned to her breast, ermine-lined purple velvet cloak attached with gem-set clasp, jewelled embroidered lace choker, jewelled aigrette in her curled powdered hair, terrace background with sky and trees to the right, green drapery and crown on a purple cushion on a table to the left 71 mm. (2.3/4 in.) wide