Reference:
smtsgr166
Description:
An rare embossed tortoiseshell snuff box depicting the Greek Goddess
Athena in her representation as Nike wearing her helmet and
Aegis, which was given to her by her father Zeus, over her shoulder.
She was portrayed in this form by Phidias in his celebrated statue
which stood in the Parthenon.
The figure of Athena is
in deep relief framed in an engine-turned background.
The box reflects the
aristocratic interest in the classical culture of the late 18th
Century.
The tortoiseshell is on a
molded horn base with a green gesso ground.
Origin: English
Circa: 1790
Materials: Tortoiseshell,
horn, gesso and silver.
Size: 9.2cm x 5.2cm x 1.8cm: 3.6" x 2.1" x 0.7".
Condition: good,
slight wear on corners as can be seen in the pictures. |
