19th Century Silver-gilt Snuff Box Set With A Timepiece and Miniature
Inventory Number: C2111001
Made in France irca 1820, circular, 7.9cm. White porcelain dial with Roman numerals indexes set within engine-turned gadrooned rings and applied beaded border, the sides with alternating plain and reeded bands, the base inset with a portrait miniature of a young lady dressed as Hebe holding a cup, painted on ivory.
Louis Mallet (to 1790 watchmaker until 1824 recorded in Paris) was appointed clockmaker to the Duke of Orleans, later king Louis Philippe. In the "Almanach du Commerce de Paris," he was listed as L. Mallet et Compagnie in the Rue J.
Hebe
In ancient Greek religion, is the goddess of youth or the prime of life (Roman equivalent: Juventas). She is the daughter of Zeus and his wife, Hera. Also, she was the cupbearer for the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus. Her role of ensuring the eternal youth of the other gods is appropriate with her role of serving as cupbearer, as the word ambrosia has been linked to a possible Proto-Indo-European translation related to immortality, undying, and lifeforce.
