Snuff box — Snuff box with the portrait of Giangastone de'Medici, Grand-Duke of Tuscany, Florence, ca. 1723 - ca. 1737
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1723 - ca. 1737
Snuff box in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (museum number A.59A-1923), made in Florence, dated ca. 1723 - ca. 1737. The museum's brief description reads: Snuff box, ivory, with the portrait of Giangastone de'Medici, Grand-Duke of Tuscany, Florentine, ca.
1723-37. Museum description: Oval snuff box, on the lid of which is a profile portrait of Giangastone; the last Medici Grand-Duke is shown facing left in long flowing wig, wearing a mantle draped over armour, on which is depicted Vulcan at the forge. Inscribed around the edge of the lid. A label on the underside of the box reads '1205'; the significance of this is uncertain. The museum records it as Carved ivory, measuring Height 1.1 cm; Width 6.4 cm; Depth 8.8 cm.
These details come from the museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.
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.
Historical context
Giangastone di Cosimo III became Grand-Duke of Tuscany in 1723, giving a date post quem for the present piece. Comparison with other portraits of Giangastone suggests this likeness was made shortly after he had become Grand-Duke. An ivory medallion in the Museo degli Argenti, Palazo Pitti (inv. no. Bargello 1879, no.184) is catalogued as a possible portrait of the same sitter. Giovanni Gastone de' Medici, or Gian Gastone or Giangastone (1671-1737) was the 7th and last Medicean Grand Duke of Tuscany. He was the second son of Cosimo III de' Medici and Marguerite Louise d'Orléans.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Ivory
- Dimensions
- Height 1.1 cm; Width 6.4 cm; Depth 8.8 cm
Technical characteristics
- Technique
- Carved ivory
- Place recorded
- Florence
Design
- Inscriptions recorded
- ': MAGNUS DUCATUS ETRURIAE '
Identification
- Museum object name
- Snuff box
- Museum object number
- A.59A-1923
- Museum system number
- O192950
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 catalogue references against a specialist reference.