Nécessaire

Joseph Martineau, Sr.

mid-18th century · Gold, agate; white enamel; implements of various materials including ivory, steel, tortiseshell, hair · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This nécessaire, fitted with a drawer below, contains a variety of toilet, sewing, and writing implements as well as a watch. It was part of the collection of English goldsmith work belonging to Admiral Frederic Harris, a noted philatelist and engineer known for his design of floating dry docks.

Artist

Joseph Martineau, Sr.

Date

mid-18th century

Medium

Gold, agate; white enamel; implements of various materials including ivory, steel, tortiseshell, hair

Culture

British, London

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Admiral F. R. Harris, in memory of his wife, Dena Sperry Harris, 1946