Artisan Antiques has dated this piece to the Georgian era.
THE POEM
Mazeppa was a narrative poem written in 1819 by an English romantic poet - Lord Byron.
The poem was based on a popular legend of the early life of Ivan Mazepa (1639–1709), who later became Hetman (military leader) of Ukraine.
In summary, the poem depicts a young Mazeppa who has a love affair with a Polish Countess, Theresa, while serving as a page at the Court of King John II Casimir Vasa.
Countess Theresa was married to an older Count who on discovering the affair, punishes Mazeppa by tying him naked to a wild horse and setting the horse loose. A large portion of the poem describes the traumatic journey of the hero strapped to the horse.
Ultimately the poem terminates with Mazeppa awakening to find himself in bed, with his wounds being tended by a "Cossack Maid" and thus survives the ordeal.
Subsequently, this poem came to be praised for its "vigor of style and its sharp realization of the feelings of suffering and endurance" and inspired many painters and artistic works including plays, musical compositions and further poems.
The scene of Mazeppa being tied to the horse has been vividly captured and portrayed on this snuff box and such articles in silverware have come to be highly desirable and collectable.
The snuff box is crafted with exceptional care and quality; the gauge of silver is very sturdy and heavy, yet the ornamentations of the chased border and reeded lines present the finesse of a fine silversmith.
The interior of the snuff box fully gilt in and presents a lovely antique gold-tone/lustre which not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also allows for the layer of gold to protect the silver from reacting/tarnishing from the snuff inside.
The box is fully hallmarked on the lid and inside with English marks.
A fabulous piece of intricate Georgian silverware with a remarkable design and collectable factor, preserved in excellent condition throughout the years and ideal for uncompromising collections and showcases of unique English silverware. In the modern-day, snuff boxes may be used to hold other consumables of your choice such as mints/pills/small objects.
SIZE
Size (mm) L:86mm W:58mm H:23mm
Size (inches) L:3.38 W:2.28 H:0.90
Weight: 190 grams (6.7 oz)
CONDITION
Excellent Condition - The snuff box is in excellent antique condition with no damage. Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.
FREE SHIPPING
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All parcels are insured - all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty, are covered by Artisan Antiques.
Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*
Price negotiations may be possible under certain criteria, please contact us via telephone (07578761640) or email (info@artisanantiques.net) -
Artisan Antiques has dated this piece to the Georgian era.
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Rare Antique Georgian Solid Silver Mazeppa Snuff Box - Edward Smith 1836
