Swiss assemblage

The box was built and assembled in the Swiss factory Moulinié, Bautte & Cie. This Geneva-based manufacturer produced many works of art, including inlaid boxes, pistols, and watches that were sold all over the world (fig 7). Why would a Swiss company work for the French imperial family? After the French Revolutionary War of the 1790s, the Republican government directly ruled the city of Geneva. The rest of Switzerland became a vassal state of France (fig 8).

Before you leave, care to have a look inside? Then click below. You'll find out that this expensive box is more than just a gift…