French snuff box in agate and gold.
Exceptional and very rare oval snuff box, created in Paris France during the second monarchic restoration period, between the 1818 and 1838. This beautiful box was designed in the baroque and Louis XV style, depicting the mythological scene of Venus and cupid holding an arrow. It was carefully crafted with two pieces carved from translucent gray-brownish agate and decorated with sculpted chiseled and repousse parts in yellow gold of 18 karats. Fitted with a hinged lid and embellished with one rose cut diamond.
The scene represents the Greek-Roman mythological scene of Venus seated in her seashell chariot pulling back Cupid to take away his arrow. In ancient Greece Cupid was known as Eros, the young son of Aphrodite the goddess of love, beauty and fertility. For the Romans, Cupid is the god of love, son of Venus and Mars, god of war. Cupid was an assistant to his mother Venus, he directed the primordial force of love and brought it to mortals
Weight: Total 100.45 Grams, (64.39 Dwt).
Measurements: 65 mm by 53 mm by 33 mm (2.56 x 2.09 x 1.31 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped two times with ancient French marks; the Zeus head...
Category
1810s French Baroque Antique Agate Boxes and Cases
MaterialsAgate, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold