Snuffbox, gold enamel and micromosaic, Rome, 1823-1825
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1823-1825
It is likely that this box originally had another cover, replaced at a later date by this micromosaic. The image represents the burnt out interior of St Pauls Outside the Walls, in Rome. The fire started during repairs to the roof in 1823. Pope Leo XII called for contributions from all over the world to restore the damage. The Church was rebuilt in 1854.
A rectangular box, the top set with a micromosaic depicting the burned-out interior of St. Paul's Basilica, Rome. The view is from the entry looking toward the altar. There are rows of columns on the right and left, and the roof is missing. In the upper left are several round portaits of popes. The border of the cover is blue enamel chased with gold scrolling, flowers and foliage. With a tooled red leather case with brass hinges and clasps.
Provenance: Bulgari, Rome.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 3
- 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
- Enamel, mosaic, tooled red leather and brass
- Dimensions
- Depth: 2.3 cm; Width: 9.5 cm; Height: 6.6 cm (Measured 29/01/24 IW)
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Montauban, Pierre-André
- Place recorded
- Rome, Paris
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London collection record for this single object (sentences kept verbatim apart from removed sale or rarity wording); how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Candidate id
- vam-O157765
- Museum object name
- Snuffbox
- Holding institution
- Victoria and Albert Museum, London
- Museum object number
- LOAN:GILBERT.475:1, 2-2008
- Museum system number
- O157765
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm the wider type, maker and dating against a specialist reference; this entry documents one recorded example.