Ellis Finch
Head of Knightsbridge Silver Department
Lot 22Ф,Y
A Louis XVI three-colour gold and enamel box by Claude-Pierre Pottier, Paris 1786
Amended
21 November 2018, 13:00 GMT
London, New Bond StreetSold for £4,375 inc. premium
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Michael Moorcroft
Consultant
A Louis XVI three-colour gold and enamel box
by Claude-Pierre Pottier, Paris 1786
Circular, the lid inset with an earlier Russian ivory plaque carved with the portrait, almost in profile, of Anna Ivanova, Empress and Autocrat of all the Russias (reigned 1730-1740), within a border of laurel, within curled gilt-paper and split pearl borders, the base with a contemporary ivory Alchemical panel carved à jour with an altar decorated with the hexagram of the seven metals encircled by the ourobic dragon and serpent, to the right Hercules holding a shield emblazoned with the symbol of Sol and a serpent with the Hydra at his feet all beneath pedimented canopy engraved 'Veritatis Templum', the seven steps to which are guarded by a pair of sphinxes, with serpents strewn at the foot, to the left an obelisk decorated with the Chain of Homer and below a figure of a scholar with three crucibles, all beneath a rayed sky with clouds and six stars, the sides with matte blue enamel ground and cagework mounts chased with cornucopia, laurel and roses, the gold lined interior with later presentation inscription, 'MAJOR ORDE/9th Lt Dragons/To Capt. Chapman/Monte Video/21st June 1807,' in a red leather carrying case, diameter 8.4cm.
Circular, the lid inset with an earlier Russian ivory plaque carved with the portrait, almost in profile, of Anna Ivanova, Empress and Autocrat of all the Russias (reigned 1730-1740), within a border of laurel, within curled gilt-paper and split pearl borders, the base with a contemporary ivory Alchemical panel carved à jour with an altar decorated with the hexagram of the seven metals encircled by the ourobic dragon and serpent, to the right Hercules holding a shield emblazoned with the symbol of Sol and a serpent with the Hydra at his feet all beneath pedimented canopy engraved 'Veritatis Templum', the seven steps to which are guarded by a pair of sphinxes, with serpents strewn at the foot, to the left an obelisk decorated with the Chain of Homer and below a figure of a scholar with three crucibles, all beneath a rayed sky with clouds and six stars, the sides with matte blue enamel ground and cagework mounts chased with cornucopia, laurel and roses, the gold lined interior with later presentation inscription, 'MAJOR ORDE/9th Lt Dragons/To Capt. Chapman/Monte Video/21st June 1807,' in a red leather carrying case, diameter 8.4cm.
Footnotes
Provenance:
Charles Ward Orde, born Northumberland 1776, created Major in the 9th Light Dragoons, 17th July 1806, retired 8th February 1810 and died in the same year. He married Maria Browne, née Chapman, 8 December 1808. He has one son Charles William Orde who succeeded to the estates of his uncle. Thence by descent to the present owner through the Browne, Chapman and Orde families.
The 9th Light Dragoons took part in Sir Samuel Auchmuty's disastrous expedition to the River Plate in October 1806, including the occupation of Montevideo in February 1807 during the Anglo-Spanish War.
Alchemy is a philosophical and protoscientific tradition practiced throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. It aims to purify, mature, and perfect certain objects. The Chain of Homer represents this progression through the elements from Chaos and Confusion to the Consummate Perfection or Universal Quintessence.
A common aim was chrysopoeia, the transmutation of base metals (e.g. lead) into noble metals (particularly gold). Interestingly, Isaac Newton (1642 – 1727) devoted considerably more of his writing to the study of alchemy than he did to either optics or physics, though these manuscripts were not published until 1936. During Newton's life time, the government specifically forbad the research into creating a Philosopher's stone as they feared that the value of gold would be eroded.
Saleroom notices
The panels to the side are aventurine glass rather than enamel.
Additional information
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