Description
This notebook is composed of gold and lined with red watered silk
and was made in Dresden, around 1800. The cover is inlaid with multicoloured
hardstone lozenges set in cells in the manner of Zellenmosaik (the
technique of setting small hardstones in frames, or cells).
The centre of each cover is set with an oval, gold-framed miniature:
Louis XVI on the front and Marie Antoinette on the back. A gold
pencil serves to lock the notebook by being inserted through loops
on the right hand side.
Commentary
The notebook is attributed to Johann Christian Neuber (1736-1808),
a Dresden craftsman of international renown. This seems well founded,
based on the exquisite workmanship of the Zellenmosaik - Neuber's
trademark. The miniatures, while originally attributed to Louis
Sicardi (1746-1825) who was court miniaturist to Louis XVI, by Christie's,
have not been firmly identified with that artist.
the
Gilbert silver