Antique Hand-Painted Tobacco Box with Romantic Battle Scene

Antique hand-painted tôle tobacco box, its hinged tin lid painted with a dramatic romantic scene. A man in a dark cloak and a gilded, plumed cap embraces a young mother and child while a second woman kneels beside them, a cannon and fallen sword at their feet and a town burning beneath billowing smoke behind. The form and painting style are typical of c.1830 to 1860 Biedermeier tobacco boxes. The sides and base are finished in deep black-green lacquer, and inside, the plain tin is scratched by hand with an early owner's name, "R. Rynsdorp." A small, storied piece of 19th century pocket history for a desk, dresser or bedside table. Price includes shipping!

KEY FEATURES

• Material: Tin (tôle) with a black-green lacquer finish
• Technique: Hand-painted figural scene on the lid
• Marks: Owner's name "R. Rynsdorp" scratched inside the lid and base; no maker's mark

DETAILS

• Country: France
• Condition: Very Good
• Year: 1830-1860
• Dimensions: H 1" x W 5.25" x D 3.25"