A gold and enamel snuff box, J.F. Bautte & Cie, Geneva, with a micromosaic panel, probably Gioacchino Barberi, Rome, 1826-1855

rectangular, the lid set with a micromosaic panel representing a dog lying in the woods, signed Barberi, within alternating red and white enamel borders, the side and base enamelled with bright and lavish sprays of flowers on a black ground, the corners chased with columns, rim inscribed: J.F.Bautte & Cie a Geneve

interior lining of base lacking and thus base loose. Enamel in remarkably good condition apart from minor time wear. Some apparent fire damages to black enamel around micromosaic plaque. Plaque also in remarkably fine condition with delicate tones.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This box epitomizes the best of the Geneva enamelling techniques, by the celebrated bijoutiers-horlogers J.F Bautte & Cie, and the best of the Roman micromosaic techniques, by the celebrated Barberi family, Gioacchino and Michelangelo.

As stated in the catalogue of the Khalili Collection of enamels, 'Jean-François Bautte's reputation became almost a nostalgic myth' (H. Williams, Enamel of The World, 1700-2000, The Khalili Collection, 2009, cat. 218). Jean-François Bautte (1772-1837) first registered a partnership with Jacques-Dauphin Moulinié (1761-1783) in 1796. They later took on Jean-Gabriel Moynier (1772-1840) and the firm was known as Moulinié, Bautte & Moynier between 1808 and 1821, expanding their business in London and Paris. From 1826, the business was continued as J.F. Bautte & Co, even after the death of J.F. Bautte in 1837, by his son and his son-in-law, until 1855. The English author and art critic John Ruskin vividly described the premises of Monsieur Bautte in Geneva:' Virtually there was no other jeweller in Geneva [one could find] entirely sound workmanship in the purest gold that could be worked; fine enamel for the most part, for colour, rather than jewels, and a certain Bauttesque subtlety of linked and wreathed design [...] you came away with a sense of [...] treasure possessed' (H. William, Enamel of The World, 1700-2000, The Khalili Collection, 2009, cat. 222). For a snuff box with similar bright enamel flower ornament, see Sotheby's London, 3 December 2013, lot 195.

At the same time in Rome, the Barberi family were in high demand by members of the European aristocracy for their skillful techniques of micromosaics. While 'Cavaliere' Michelangelo Barberi (1787-1867), produced mainly wonderful table tops, his uncle Gioacchino (1783-1857) was listed in 1847 as one of the leading miniature micromosaicists in Rome. 
His workshop was located at 99 Piazza di Spagna. At his death, he was credited with the invention of black enamel smalti, which he used for backgrounds in compositions taken from wall paintings at Herculaneum. Gioacchino Barberi also produced table tops, including one for Prince Anatole Demidoff (see Sotheby's New York, 12 April 2011, lot 254) but his main production was smaller panels, including animals subjects, such as a panel representing a dog and cat fighting, mounted in a gold box, A.J. Strachan, London, 1807-1808, illustrated by Jeanette Gabriel, The Gilbert Collection, Micromosaics, 2000, cat.18.

An almost identical micromosaic panel, except for a pigeon lying in front of the dog, probably his fresh kill, signed Gioacchino Barberi, mounted in a gold box by Moulinié, Bautte & Moynier, was sold Christie's London, 6 December 2005, lot 26. Another contemporary snuff box, with similar enamel sides and base but on a gilt enamel ground, J.F. Bautte & Cie, set with a micromosaic representing a waterfall, signed Barberi, was sold Christie's London, 28 November 2006, lot 90. A third snuff box with a micromosaic panel, also the product of this successful partnership, was sold Christie's London, 22 May 2001, lot 250.