An Important Russian Porcelain Imperial Presentation Snuffbox. Imperial Porcelain Factory, St. Petersburg, Perio...

Description

An Important Russian Porcelain Imperial Presentation Snuffbox
Imperial Porcelain Factory, St. Petersburg, Period of Catherine II (1762-1796) circa 1790
1-3/8 x 2-3/4 x 2-1/8 inches (3.5 x 7.0 x 5.4 cm)

PROVENANCE:
Private Collection, New York;
John Atzbach Antiques, Bellevue, Washington;
Private Collection, acquired from the above.

LITERATURE:
Wolf, N.B.,


The offered lot, a porcelain snuffbox with a portrait of Empress Catherine II and battle scenes represents one of the most distinguished achievements of the Imperial Porcelain Factory in St. Petersburg, dating approximately to 1779-1786. Executed in polychrome and gilded overglaze painting, the object epitomizes the refined aesthetic and technical mastery characteristic of Russian porcelain in its apex during the late eighteenth century.

Snuffboxes of this type are exceedingly rare, and imperial portrait snuffboxes are among the rarest, one has not come to market for some time. One, with molded decoration and no polychromy was offered Christie's London, November 30, 2011. Another, with a portrait of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna was offered at Christie's New York, October 24, 2002, lot 35.

Such snuffboxes functioned not merely as decorative or utilitarian objects but as symbols of imperial distinction and political patronage. They were traditionally presented by Catherine II to eminent courtiers, military leaders, and foreign dignitaries as tokens of imperial favor. Stylistic and contextual evidence suggests that the present work may have been intended as a gift for General Alexander Suvorov, commemorating his military achievements in service to the empire.

The snuffbox exhibits exceptional craftsmanship and luxurious design. Its interior is entirely gilded, and the exterior is framed in gold. The lid's allegorical composition portrays two female personifications of the arts accompanied by cherubs, the imperial double-headed eagle, and a red cross of the Polish Royal order of St. Stanislaus, an order eventually assumed by the Russian empire-motifs symbolizing artistic enlightenment and imperial power under Catherine's reign.

On the inner lid appears a finely executed miniature portrait of Catherine II, based on the celebrated 1779 painting by Fyodor Rokotov, itself derived from Alexander Roslin's earlier depiction of the empress. Comparative analysis indicates that the porcelain artist likely worked from the engraving by Johann Friedrich Martin Schreyer, accounting for minor inaccuracies such as the misrepresentation of the ribbon of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called. These discrepancies, transmitted through monochrome graphic sources, testify to the circulation and adaptation of imperial imagery across different media.

The sides and underside of the snuffbox are decorated with miniature martial scenes, reflecting Russia's extensive military engagements during Catherine's reign, particularly the conflicts with the Ottoman Empire (1768-1774, 1787-1791) and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (1768-1772). Uniform details permit the dating of these representations to the period prior to 1786.

Iconographic and historical analysis indicates that the depicted battles likely relate to Russia's campaign against the Bar Confederation (1768-1772). The scenes may allude to the battles of Landskrona and Stolovichi (1771), in which Suvorov achieved decisive victories. Through these representations, the snuffbox celebrates the expansion of Russian imperial authority and the heroism of its military command.

This snuffbox transcends its utilitarian function to embody a complex synthesis of art, politics, and imperial ideology. It attests to Catherine II's strategic use of porcelain as a medium of representation and diplomacy, projecting both personal sovereignty and the cultural supremacy of her empire. As a work of exquisite craftsmanship and historical resonance, the piece exemplifies the Imperial Porcelain Factory's role in articulating the visual language of power in late eighteenth-century Russia.

Heritage Auctions is grateful to Dr. Tina Khmelnitskaya for permission to quote from her unpublished research on this snuffbox, and for her assistance in the research of this lot.


Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000.

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.