George IV Marine Capriccio High Relief Silver Snuff Box

A very fine quality William IV Presentation Silver Snuff Box, with engine turned base and sides and raised foliate scroll chased borders, the lid with a high relief harbour scene, probably a capriccio of a Mediterranean port with a church and castle to one side and a lighthouse to the other, a fully rigged British Frigate and a fishing boat at sea, and two sailors on the shore with packages and an anchor. Silver gilt interior with contemporary presentation inscription. In silk and velvet lined leather case.

By Taylor & Perry, Birmingham 1830.

Probably inspired by a 17th / 18th Century Dutch Marine Painting.

In painting, a capriccio means an architectural fantasy, placing together buildings, ruins and other architectural elements in fictional and often fantastical combinations. These paintings may also include staffage (figures). Capriccio falls under the more general term of landscape painting. This style of painting was introduced in the Renaissance and continued into the Baroque.

Maritime art, especially marine painting – as a particular genre separate from landscape – really began with Dutch Golden Age painting in the 17th century. Marine painting was a major genre within Dutch Golden Age painting, reflecting the importance of overseas trade and naval power to the Dutch Republic, and saw the first career marine artists, who painted little else. In this, as in much else, specialist and traditional marine painting has largely continued Dutch conventions to the present day.

Sold - £3,500.00