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FRENCH

Snuff box

1762-68

RCIN 4015

Hinged oval gold snuff box enamelled throughout with illustrations of mythological scenes, mounted with chased gold borders. The cover of this box shows part of the tale of Perseus, as described in Ovid's Metamorphoses. After defeating the gorgon Medusa and freeing the beautiful Andromeda from a sea-monster, Perseus's wedding feast was interrupted by Phineus and a group of followers. Phineus was a former suitor for Andromeda's hand. Perseus defeated him by waving the slain Medusa's head in his face which turned him to stone. Other scenes from Ovid are depicted around the sides of the box.


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