Antique carved horn snuff box with Biblical scene from the Old Testament. Made in France. 18th - 19th century.

Measurements: a little more than 3 3/4 inches long. a little under 2 1/4 inches wide. 11/16inch high.

Carved from horn. Rectangular snuff box. Hinged lid. Top beautifully carved to depict the Garden of Eden with Adam and Even sitting on a grassy knoll under a tree in which the serpent winds himself, leaning

down over Adam's head. Eve is clearly tempting Adam with the apple, as he seems to recoil backwards. THe tree, bends over them, drawing out attention to the scene below, with the pointing snake further

directing our attention to the disaster taking place. Wonderful details in the foliage of the tree and the flowers in the fore and background. Facial features, hair and musculature of the torsos are very

finely depicted. Each scale of the serpent is shown. Quality of the carving is quite lovely. Fascinating Religious theme, awesome carving.

A rectangular reserve near the bottom of the scene is carved LE FRUIT DEFENDU (translating to FORBIDDEN FRUIT).

Original, carved hinges are in very good condition. Top of the box also in great shape. Sides and bottom have some 'unequal spots', which are part of the natural material from which the box was carved. Due

to natural shrinkage of the material, the box does not close perfectly in the front.

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