French
Etui, about 1715-1774
Bloodstone and gold with ruby clasp, 10.1 x 2.1 x 1.4 cm (4 x 13/16 x 9/16 in.)
A small, thin, elongated rectangular-shaped ornamental container with decorative gold appliqués, or attachments in the form of flowers and vines on the lid and body. A circular ruby clasp sits in the center of the container. The container is made of bloodstone, which is opaque green with red flecks throughout. The French words “l’amour”, “moyen”, and “trouve” are painted in gold along the edge of the lid. The lid flips open on a hinge to reveal a small container.
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.