A beautiful little 1840s lidded opaline box from the Palais Royal shopping arcades of Paris, France. Having a round white opaline glass body covered in gilt metal open mesh decoration. The hinged lid has a very fancy, petal collar. The centre of the lid houses behind glass a reverse painted print of the famous Palais de Justice located on the Île de la Cité, Paris, France. The palace of justice is part of the Palais de la Cité, a huge and very ancient medieval complex which was the former royal palace of the Kings of France. The large complex also includes Sainte Chapelle, the royal chapel, and the Conciergerie, a notorious former prison, which operated from 1380 to 1914.
During the French Revolution, the Grand Chamber part of this same complex became the courtroom of the French Revolution Tribunal, which rapidly tried and sentenced those accused of opposing the Revolution. Those convicted were usually taken to the guillotine the same day. During the 718 days, up until 31 May 1795, the Tribunal sent 2,780 persons to the guillotine (ref Wikipedia)
Our little box measures 1 1/4 inch tall by 2 inch diameter (2.5 cm by 5 cm). Images taken under studio lighting on a grey English day!!
Condition: Opens and closes perfectly. However showing its vast age, the original gilding worn mostly away to reveal brass base. Glued repair to underside of lid which is keeping painted print in place.
Item id:16312
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