"The exquisite, jewel-encrusted boxes were badly damaged in 2024, after they were among seven treasures stolen from Paris's Musée Cognacq-Jay by a gang of axe-wielding thieves. The perpetrators broke into the temporary exhibition, titled "Luxe de Poche," or "Pocket Luxury," on November 20, making off with goods that were, at the time, reported to be worth more than €1 million."
"One object now safe and restored is known as the chrysoprase box, owing to the rare quartz that gives it its apple green color. It was made in around 1760 and was one of some 300 beloved boxes commissioned and cared for by Frederick II of Prussia. Some of its diamonds had been removed, damaging their gold and silver settings in the process."
"Five of these pieces were recovered last fall, having been exchanged for an undisclosed payment from the insurers. Returned in a badly damaged state, the recovered snuffboxes from the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection have been repaired ahead of their redisplay at the V&A."
Two jewel-encrusted 18th-century snuffboxes stolen from Paris's Musée Cognacq-Jay in November 2024 have been carefully restored for display at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Axe-wielding thieves stole seven treasures worth over €1 million from the "Luxe de Poche" exhibition. Five pieces were recovered after an insurance payment, including the damaged snuffboxes from the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection. Conservators repaired the boxes, including the chrysoprase box made around 1760 for Frederick II of Prussia, which had lost diamonds and suffered damage to its gold and silver settings. A third stolen snuffbox remains missing. The restored pieces will be unveiled during the opening of the museum's newly revamped Gilbert Galleries.
#museum-theft-and-recovery #art-conservation-and-restoration #18th-century-decorative-arts #cultural-heritage-preservation
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