Russian
Snuff Box with Emperor Alexander III of Russia, early 19th century
Tortoise shell with gilding, 8.5 cm (3 3/8 in.)
This tortoise shell snuff box is palm-sized. It is round with a central gilded medallion showing a man in profile. The man is wearing a laurel wreath around his short wavy hair. He has long sideburns and a receding hairline above his prominent forehead. His thick neck and fleshy face give the impression of a large man. There are markings on the medallion, including the initials I.S.at the figure’s shoulder, and, inscribed around the medallion’s outer edge, are Russian letters in a block font. The medallion is inset within the center of the snuff box with a surrounding copper-colored, round band. A plain, round border of black tortoise shell surrounds this band and an additional decorative border of gold acorns alternating with black carved oak leaves makes up the outermost design. The snuff box has a handwritten accompanying note which reads: “Presented to me July 17th 1878 by Mrs. C. E. Gardner - It was sent to her father (probably about 60 years ago) by John D. Lewis Esq. (of John D. Lewis & Co., St. Petersburgh) Mr. Peabody's Russian correspondent”.
Little Salon
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.