- 6
A gold-mounted tortoiseshell and porcelain snuff box
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- width 9cm, 3 1/2 in
unmarked, probably English, circa 1820
rectangular, the lid inset with a blue and white cut-cornered rectangular Wedgwood jasper plaque of The Cupid Market, reeded gold mounts and scroll chased thumbpiece, the flange engraved: For him has many a tear been shed, and many a grateful thought is due
rectangular, the lid inset with a blue and white cut-cornered rectangular Wedgwood jasper plaque of The Cupid Market, reeded gold mounts and scroll chased thumbpiece, the flange engraved: For him has many a tear been shed, and many a grateful thought is due
Condition
Excellent condition. There are very faint age cracks to the tortoiseshell at the sides near the back. The plaque with minor firing flaws. Some wear to base.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The Cupid Market, or Sale of Erates, medallion is attributed to Wedgwood modeller William Hackwood (c. 1757-1839) and was first introduced in this form in 1773, its probable source a gem engraved by Giuseppe Cades (1750-1799), who was directly or indirectly inspired by a wall painting from Stabia now in the Naples Museum. The subject was popular in the latter half of the 18th century, particularly in France (Vien's painting of 1763 is at Fontainebleau), and was widely used in interior decoration, including in the palace of Catherine the Great at Tsarskoe Seloe.