A Queen Anne pressed horn tobacco box by John Obrisset

A pressed horn tobacco box of Queen Anne (c.1665 - 1714) by John Obrisset.

English, early 18th century.

Measures 10.5 x 8.5 x 2.9cm.

The reverse of the lid is engraved ‘Once Hannah Gallant of Bow. But given by him Excetter Adel Bellamy to W(illia)m Spriggs. The 9th Month 1779’.

The son of Jean Aubrisset of Dieppe, an ivory carver and a Huguenot, John Obrisset was active in London between the years of 1705 and 1728.

The horn profile in relief of Queen Anne, although unsigned is typical of the work of John Obrisset who specialised in pressed tortoiseshell and horn reliefs of English monarchs from the 17th to 18th centuries.

The profile of Queen Anne is after the work of Sir Godfrey Kneller (c.1646 - 1723) who was the leading portrait painter in England during the late 17th and early 18th centuries and was court painter to English and British monarchs from Charles II to George I.