LIDDED BOX The Netherlands, 19th/20th century

LIDDED BOX

The Netherlands, 19th/20th century
Silver. Rectangular form with hinged cover. Richly engraved throughout with acanthus scrolls and figural scenes. The cover with cartouches depicting Spring (Lente) and Summer (Zomer), as well as a harvest scene. The base is similarly arranged in mirror image and depicts further vignettes of Spring (de Lente) and Summer (de Zomer), as well as an angling scene.

Both the cover and the base incorporate pull-out sliding panels, each concealing engraved and pierced figural scenes: in the cover, two figures in a rowing boat and two figures fishing from a bridge; in the base, a gooseherd and a woman with a child feeding ducks, each against a red velvet ground.

The inside of the cover is also engraved and fitted with two small doors with a locking bar. The doors depict a symmetrically arranged landscape scene with a windmill, group of houses, river and rowing boat. When opened, they reveal two small scenes of children at play, likewise against a red velvet ground.
Engraved on the exterior of the back of the box: Graziella.
L 12.4 cm, 245 g.