Antique Ballooning Theme Miniature Snuff Box c.1790

The breadth and height of collecting never ceases to create surprise. Found among that are items dedicated to hot-air ballooning. In the late 18th century America and Europe the passion for hot-air ballooning almost became an obsession. Now exceedingly difficult to obtain, objects commemorating these early flights are a thrill to find.

Superb and very scarce, this is an illustration of the first recorded manned balloon flight. Built in 1783 by the French brothers Etienne and Joseph Montgolfier, the balloon was launched from the center of Paris and flew for 20 minutes. Balloons caught the attention of the public and the term "montgolfière" was even applied to hair fashions and dresses. The balloon was sky blue with gold flourishes and decorated with sun motifs and signs of the zodiac. This image became famous and a model of the balloon is on exhibit in the London Science Museum.

Ornamenting the top of a papier mâché lacquered turned snuff box is a miniature painting done on ivory. The box itself is black in color and the lid has a rim of ivory and of yellow gilded gold over metal. Protecting the superbly rendered miniature is the original glass covering. Faithfully rendered in the miniature is the fantastic balloon replete with its neoclassical decorations and suns. Two gentlemen within the gondola wave to the crowd below.

All the onlookers are gazing upward toward the spectacle in the skies. The men of the crowd are raising their hats with shouts of hurrahs. The women are animated and wave handkerchiefs and arms. The spectators are on the ground of some pavilion; with steps reaching upwards, a line of lush green trees fills the background. With colors ranging from glorious red to sunlit gold, the hues remain bright and vivid. Signed in the lower right with the barely discernable “Monte***”, perhaps Monteuri.

Condition is near mint. The bottom of the box has a tad surface wear. Commensurate with the age of the ivory there are two hairline separations to the ivory rim on the bottom left and four other faint lines, please see photos. French in origin and dates to circa 1790.

Measurements: Box is 3 1/16 inches wide and 15/16 inches high. The miniature is 2 3/16 inches across. (7.8 cm by 2.3 cm high and the portrait is 5.6 cm across).

Note: Please also view item 10879 for another ballooning snuff box from the same collection.