The Coveted Gifts of Louis XIV

Published on 17 September 2020, by Philippe Dufour

Auction on 04 October 2020 - 14:00 (CEST) - Château d'Artigny, 92, rue de Monts - 37250 Montbazon

Resulting from the combined talents of leading craftsmen of the time – two Parisian goldsmiths and a Swedish enameller – a Louis XIV "portrait box" will be an uncontested star at the 32^nd "Garden Party" sale held at the Château d'Artigny.

Louis XIV portrait box in gold, embellished with an antique-style profile of the Sun King in moulded enamel imitating a cameo, and on the back with his enamelled monogram, silver mount ornamented with twenty rose-cut diamonds, probably from the Golkonda mines, gold ring, h. 4.8, l. 3.9 cm.
Estimate: €60,000/80,000

This is a glittering jewel from every point of view. Certainly in terms of the diamonds forming a rich halo around the portrait of the Sun King, whose profile stands out like a Roman emperor in white on a black background. The medallion is one of a highly specific series of objects: a fashion launched by Louis XIV in the 1660s. They were called "King's portrait boxes" and most had a single purpose: to be an official gift. Inventories reveal that no fewer than four hundred of these were distributed throughout his reign by the man who transformed Versailles.…

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32th GARDEN PARTY SALE - I

Sunday 04 October 2020 - 14:00 (CEST) - Live

Château d'Artigny, 92, rue de Monts - 37250 Montbazon

Rouillac

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An Appointment with Louis XIV, Napoleon I and a Directory-period Family

Taking place in a particular context because of Covid-19 measures, the 32^nd "garden party" sale at the château d'Artigny, preceded by innovative virtual tours, lived up to its tradition by achieving excellent results.