Snuffbox. Culture: French, Paris. Dimensions: 1 3/4 x 3 1/8 x 2 3/8 in. (4.4 x 7.9 x 6cm). Maker: Possibly by Pierre-François-Mathis de Beaulieu (apprenticed 1752, master 1768, active until 1792) (for Jean Georges). Date: 1764-65.An oval portrait of Catherine the Great of Russia on the cover of this box is the most prominent feature of its decoration. Catherine ruled Russia as empress from 1762 until her death in 1796, and the small enamel portrait depicts her early in her reign. The underside of the box is decorated with an image of the empress crowned by fame, while the small enamel medallions on the sides depict the four cardinal virtues: fortitude, justice, prudence, and temperance. The decoration thus serves to extol the virtues and qualities of the new empress, who came to power by deposing her husband, Peter III.The chased motifs are in the fullblown Neoclassical style, and four colors of gold have been employed to enhance their richness. Gold could be colored by adding small