It contains all the requisites for a 19th century amateur painter.
The signature on the lock identifies it as the work of Alphonse Giroux in Paris. The firm’s founder was an art restorer and painter who later set up his business supplying luxury goods to the affluent citizens of Paris.
After the death of Giroux, the business was continued by his sons.
Louis XVIII and his successor Charles X were clients, as was Napoleon III, who bought numerous artefacts and pieces of furniture for his residences.
The artist’s box, which is coming up for sale at Ruef in Landshut on March 28 with an estimate of €350, was presumably made in 1867 at the latest.
In that year, the company was taken over by Ferdinand Duvinage, a relative of the Giroux family, and his partner Monsieur Harinkouck. From then onwards, until 1885 when the firm ceased trading, the company signet incorporated Duvinage’s initials, which are lacking here.
