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Musical Snuff Box Playing 2 Tunes with historical decor to the lid
About the Item
Snuffbox with music made in Switzerland in the first half of the 19th century.
This rare snuffbox plays 2 melodies, on a sectional comb. The comb is thus composed of several sections of 5 teeth each. this is typical of early boxes. It is only later, after 1840, that one can make a comb in 1 piece.
on top of the lid there is a decor. It is a copy of Jaen-Louis David's painting "Bélisaire demandant l'aumône". "The painting shows the Byzantine general Belisarius defeating the Vandals in North Africa and the Ostrogoths in Italy in the service of Emperor Justinian I. In 562, he was accused of high treason and imprisoned. According to a legend spread from the 10th century onwards, his eyes were gouged out in the process. A year after his conviction, Belisarius was restored to grace. Besides the moral that fame and fortune are fleeting, the criticism of an ungrateful ruler that emerges in the work was very appealing.
David shows Belisarius as a fallen hero, old and blind, begging in the streets. He is in the company of a young child holding up a helmet for alms. A little further on, one of his former soldiers recognises the old man to his great surprise. In front against the stone block on the lower right is also the staff with which the general has to find his way.
The case consists of pressed horn and tortoiseshell horn (please consult CITES regulations before buying). On top, in the middle of the lid, there is an oval, gold cartouche. At the front the controls are decorated with mother-of-pearl.
Because of the general condition of this piece, it can be called very exceptional, all damage and traces of use indicating a past with great care and dedication.
- Dimensions:Height: 1.3 in (3.3 cm)Width: 3.71 in (9.4 cm)Depth: 2.29 in (5.8 cm)
- Style:Early Victorian (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1840
- Condition:Minor losses.
- Seller Location:Zonhoven, BE
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Zonhoven, Belgium
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
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