Snuffbox with a breast ornament with a portrait of Queen Mary

La Pierre, Henri, c. 1680 - c. 1690

Miniature portraits of rulers played an important role in 17th-century diplomacy. An unusual variant arose around 1670 in which the miniatures were set in diamonds. This breast ornament was a gift from Queen Mary, consort of King-Stadtholder William III, to a confidante. It was later mounted on the lid of a gold snuffbox.

  • Artwork typesnuffbox
  • Object numberBK-NM-9882
  • Dimensionsheight 3.2 cm x length 7.0 cm x width 6.2 cm, height 3.2 cm x width 2.5 cm
  • Physical characteristicsjuweel: zilver en diamant; miniatuur: email op goud; doos: goud