Snuff Box: Sacrifice of Cupid
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1787
This oval snuff box, crafted around 1787 in Paris, France, is made of gold, enamel, and stones. It measures 3.9 × 8 × 5.9 cm (1 1/2 × 3 1/8 × 2 5/16 in.) and features rich decorative metalwork paired with enameled surfaces.
The lid is set with a central oval enameled medallion depicting two classically draped figures making an offering or sacrifice at an altar before a statue of Cupid. This medallion is encircled by a border of enameled green foliage and embedded stones. The surrounding surface of the lid features translucent purple enamel over an engine-turned pattern, enclosed by an ornate outer border of chased gold, floral enamel details, and set stones.
The sides of the box are divided into enameled panels separated by pilaster-like architectural motifs, continuing the purple enamel and patterned gold framework with green enameled garlands and stone embellishments.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Gold, enamel, stones
- Dimensions
- 3.9 × 8 × 5.9 cm (1 1/2 × 3 1/8 × 2 5/16 in.)
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Paris, France
- Place recorded
- France
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Art Institute of Chicago collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Snuff Box: Sacrifice of Cupid
- Museum object number
- 1953.449
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.