Writing Case
(18th and 19th Centuries )
The cover of this miniature writing case depicts a nymph robbing Cupid, the god of love, of his weapons, rendered in gold relief against a background of ruby-colored enamel. The case's exterior is covered with panels of tortoiseshell in gold mounts. The interior is fitted with a glass ink pot and sand bottle, both with gold covers, as well as a mirror and a pen that can be screwed together in sections. Delicate and portable, this type of small writing case was meant to be privately treasured and shown off to intimate friends.
Inscription
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.
Acquired by William T. or Henry Walters, Baltimore; by bequest to Walters Art Museum.
Exhibitions
2011 | The Art of Writing Instruments from Paris to Persia. |
Geographies
Germany (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 1 15/16 × W: 2 5/16 × D: 1 7/8 in. (5 × 5.9 × 4.7 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by William T. or Henry Walters
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
57.954