A Rare Louis XVI Gold and Enamel Rock Crystal Snuff Box, Rothschild Provenance
$65,700.00
- A Rare Louis XVI Enamel and Gold-Mounted Rock Crystal Snuff Box
By François-Vincent Garand, Paris, 1760/61 - An exceptional and highly refined Louis XVI gold-mounted snuff box, masterfully crafted by the distinguished Parisian goldsmith François-Vincent Garand, and dating to the year 1760/61. This elegant object exemplifies the restrained sophistication and technical excellence of mid-18th century French luxury production, where precious materials and refined ornament were brought together in perfect harmony.
- Of exceptional distinction, the present example boasts a prestigious provenance from the renowned Rothschild family, one of the most important and discerning collecting dynasties in European history.
- Of oblong form, the body and cover are carved from luminous rock crystal, intricately worked in a finely faceted diaper pattern that captures and refracts light with remarkable brilliance. The transparency and clarity of the hardstone are of particularly high quality, demonstrating the careful selection of material and the advanced lapidary skill required to achieve such precise and uniform cutting.
- The box is mounted in finely chased gold, executed with delicate scrollwork and reeded borders characteristic of the Louis XVI aesthetic. Encircling the mount are a series of cartouches exquisitely enameled with polychrome floral sprays, rendered with remarkable delicacy and painterly nuance. The vibrant blossoms—set against rich grounds—provide a striking contrast to the crystalline body, enhancing the overall visual richness of the piece.
- The interior retains its original gilding, and the mounts are fully marked, including the charge and décharge marks of Eloy Brichard and Étienne Somfoye (active 1756–1762), alongside Garand’s maker’s mark and later French control marks for foreign silver, attesting to the box’s authenticity and continued appreciation across generations.
- Boxes of this caliber were among the most coveted personal luxuries of the 18th century, often commissioned by aristocratic patrons and used as symbols of refinement, taste, and social standing. The present example stands out for its combination of superb materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and distinguished authorship.
- Provenance: The Rothschild Family Collection
Thence by descent, Private Collection New York City
Solomon Treasure, New York - 1.5″ high x 3″ wide x 1″ deep
- Good condition. Minute chip to underside edge; minor enamel wear.
- 15″ Diameter
- Good condtion.
