Giuseppe Maria Bonzanigo circular snuff box with micro-carvings
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
early 19th century
This circular snuff box is a masterwork of micro-carving, attributed to the renowned artist Giuseppe Maria Bonzanigo (1745–1820). The exterior construction features a boxwood and burl wood body, enhanced with gilded bronze rings that provide a luxurious finish.
The lid is the primary decorative element, protected by domed glass and framed in gilded metal. It features intricate micro-carvings crafted from various types of wood, depicting a symbolic monument dedicated to Madame Élisabeth, daughter of France. This complex scene includes representations of the theological virtues and is adorned with a cartouche inscribed with the words “M. Elisabeth, fille de France”. The interior of the snuff box is lined with tortoiseshell, demonstrating the high-quality materials typical of fine early 19th-century Piedmontese craftsmanship.
Measuring 9 cm in diameter and 4 cm in height, the object reflects the refined aesthetic of its era and the exceptional skill associated with Bonzanigo's specialized wood carving workshops in Turin.
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
- Height
- 4 cm
- Diameter
- 9 cm
- Material
- boxwood, burl wood, tortoiseshell, gilded bronze, glass
Design
- Obverse
- monument to Madame Élisabeth, daughter of France, with theological virtues
- Inscriptions
- M. Elisabeth, fille de France
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Giuseppe Maria Bonzanigo
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.