Russian oval snuff box with portrait miniature of Emperor Paul I
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1770
This antique snuff box from Russia, dating to approximately 1770, features an oval portrait miniature depicting Emperor Paul I (1754–1801). The subject is shown in a chest-length portrait, dressed in his formal attire, which prominently includes the distinct moiré sash of the Order of St.
Andrew the First-Called. The fine detail of the miniature highlights the royal subject's likeness. The miniature itself measures 5.5 by 4 centimeters, and it is housed within a dark, circular or oval frame that brings the total length of the object to 8 centimeters. The stylistic execution of the portrait is noted for its similarity to depictions of Grand Duke Pavel Petrovich held in major museum collections. As a snuff box, this item belongs to the decorative arts tradition of personal accessories used for containing tobacco, often featuring portraits or intricate artwork on the lid or integrated into the structure.
The composition demonstrates 18th-century Russian craftsmanship, combining fine miniature painting with functional vessel design.
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
- Total length
- 8 cm
- Miniature dimensions
- 5.5 x 4 cm
Design
- Details
- wearing the moiré sash of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called
- Subject
- Emperor Paul I
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.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.