Inventory Number M0106
Size 3.5” H x 5.5” W x 5.5” D
Material Iron with Patinated Brass Repoussé and Glass Cabochons
Period Art Nouveau
Country of Origin France
Year Made c. 1895
Canine meets chimera: havoc ensues. Or so goes the tale told by this dramatic metal box, set with glowing cabochons. The creature under attack, a monster worthy of a blood-chilling nightmare, sports the modified head of a Gorgon, the hind end of a pig, and the webbed feet of an amphibian. While the scene clearly represents a struggle, it resists further interpretation. In technique, the box and its ornamentation are linked to medieval boxes, book covers, and reliquaries.
Marks: Embossed artist's name at top right corner.
