Extremely Rare Antique 19th Century Hand-painted Snuff Box By S.Raven For Some Esteemed Royal Patronage
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An extremely rare antique hand-painted papier-mache snuff box from the early to mid-19th century. The scene depicts a pastoral landscape with a stone bridge, trees, and figures, painted in a romanticised style.
There is handwritten text on the underside of the lid which reads “S.Raven Pinx Patronised by H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex & Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg”.
This suggests that the item was made by S.Raven and was endorsed by both Prince Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex (a son of King George III) and Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg, who later became King Leopold I of Belgium. This indicates the object has historical significance and a possible connection to British and European royalty.
Research suggests that S. Raven pinx refers to the signature of Samuel Raven (1775-1847), a British artist renowned for his detailed paintings on papier-mache items, particularly snuff boxes. The term pinx is an abbreviation of the Latin pinxit, meaning painted by, so S. Raven pinx translates to Painted by S. Raven.
Raven’s works often featured inscriptions indicating patronage by notable figures of his time. For instance, some of his pieces are inscribed with Patronised by H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex & Prince Leopold, highlighting his esteemed clientele.
These inscriptions and the quality of his work underscore Samuel Raven’s prominence in the decorative arts during the early 19th century.
I have discovered two notable examples attributed to a Samuel Raven. One in a collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, which features a portrait of George IV on the lid, and another auctioned at Christie’s, which was painted with a tavern scene.
Given the scarcity of these items in both museum collections and auction records, snuff boxes by S.Raven are considered rare and of significant interest to collectors.
Condition is good, commensurate with age and use. Structurally sound. Good strong imagery.
Measures 9cm x 2cm
Weighs 45.43 grams