A gold-mounted tortoiseshell box, French, circa 1800

circular, the lid inset with a miniature of a lavish vase of summer flowers, signed G. van Spaendonck, unmarked

signature fainted, box in good order thanks to hardly noticeable restorations
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Gerard van Spaendonck was born in Tilburg in the Netherlands and moved with his brother Cornelius in 1770 to Paris where both continued the celebrated Dutch painterly tradition of still lives. In 1774, he became the King's painter on miniatures and produced paintings of flowers for snuff boxes which found a tremendous success. His talent saved him during the Revolution and he became a teacher at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. He then was one of the first.mes mbers of the Academie des Beaux-Arts and was praised as one of the best painters of his t.mes in his obituary.