128 - ENAMEL MINIATURE

ENAMEL MINIATURE GOLD SNUFFBOX WITH MINIATURE “SAINTE ANNE TRINITAIRE”. ATTRIBUTED TO JOHANN DANIEL BERNEAUD (1773 - 1861) SWITZERLAND, CIRCA 1820 - 1835. An exquisite gold snuffbox of rectangular form with rounded corners, executed in the tradition of the Geneva school of enamel art in the first third of the 19th century. The hinged cover is adorned with a finely painted polychrome enamel miniature depicting Sainte Anne Trinitaire - Saint Anne, the Madonna with the Christ Child, and four angels. The composition follows Western European iconography representing Saint Anne, the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child, symbolizing three generations of Christ’s lineage. The enamel plaque is framed within an elaborate three-color gold border composed of garlands of flowers, buds and foliage in yellow, pink and white gold, accented with refined cobalt enamel lines. The sides of the box are decorated with floral ornamentation combined with deep cobalt enamel panels. The reverse features a guilloché ground surrounded by a vegetal frame with rounded corners, enriched with bi-color gold ornament and cobalt enamel. The interior is mirror polished, reflecting the exceptional level of craftsmanship. Based on stylistic analysis of the miniature and the goldwork, the piece may be attributed to the circle of Geneva masters working for the French export market during the Restoration period. The attribution to Johann Daniel Berneaud (1773 - 1861) is based on stylistic parallels and requires further comparative research. Hallmarks: French import guarantee mark for 14K gold - letter “a” within a scallop shell, confirming assay control upon import into France. Material: 14K gold, polychrome painted enamel on gold, guilloché. Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 2 cm. Weight: 173.6 g. Condition: Good condition. Minor signs of age-related wear. Enamel miniature without losses or cracks. Hinge functioning properly. Provenance: Private collection. Width: 9cm, Height: 6.3cm, Depth: 2cm, Weight: 0.174kg, Condition: Good, Material: Enamel, Polychrome painting, Gold 14K, ID: ID-ANTQ-11518