Gold And Enamel Powder Compact By Violettes Paris France, Paris, Circa 1860

An exquisite circular gold powder compact by Violettes Paris, representing the refined tradition of French jewellery craftsmanship of the mid-19th century. The body is richly decorated with fine polychrome enamel on gold: a deep dark brown ground is embellished with an elegant gold lattice pattern and ornamental grotesque motifs inspired by Classical Antiquity and the Renaissance. The cover features a finely painted enamel medallion depicting a mythological scene with a nymph at her toilette accompanied by Cupid adorning her hair. The composition reflects the gallant aesthetic of the French Second Empire period and continues the decorative traditions of 18th-century Rococo-inspired imagery. The base is decorated with a shaped vignette depicting a charming romantic scene with a cherub, a dove and a basket of flowers, where the playful Cupid once again pursues the escaping heroine. The original mirror is preserved inside the cover. The inner rim bears a commemorative engraved date: 18 April 1880. Marks: Maker's mark "Violettes Paris"; French gold assay marks introduced from 1838, corresponding to 18-carat gold (750 standard), struck on the base of the compact. Dimensions: Height: 3 cm; diameter: 5 cm. Weight: 73.94 g. Condition: Good collector's condition. The original enamel decoration is well preserved, retaining the fine details of the painted scenes, interior finish and original mirror.