Silver miniature chaise with horse, A. van Geffen, Amsterdam, c. 1730

Silver miniature chaise with coachman and horse, made by the famous Amsterdam miniature specialist Arnoldus van Geffen. He was active from 1728 to 1769.

Because this rare object dates from the period before 1734, it is only marked with the Amsterdam city assay (the three Saint Andrew's crosses) and the specific master's mark of Arnoldus van Geffen (a post horn in a heart-shaped shield), without the presence of a date letter. Arnoldus van Geffen was registered as a master with the guild in 1728, which allows this specific carriage to be dated very precisely between 1728 and 1734.

A chaise is a light, fast, and elegant two-wheeled carriage that played a prominent role in the Dutch streetscape in the 18th and 19th centuries. The vehicle combined status, comfort, and, for its time, unprecedented speed.

The seat or body in which the passengers sat was suspended in leather straps stretched between the wooden chassis. This functioned as an early form of shock absorber, making rides over the bumpy cobblestones and dirt roads much more comfortable.

At the time this silver miniature was made, the chaise was an absolute luxury vehicle for the nobility and very wealthy urban merchants. They used the beautifully painted and carved chaises for recreational summer rides outside the city or to impress on the canals.

Particularly striking is the detailed repoussé on the back of the chaise (the back of the hood). This relief decor is very characteristic of the high-quality finish of 18th-century toy silver.

Visible are two doves under a crown. This is a classic and recognizable symbol of love. The billing or facing doves (turtledoves) symbolize marital love, fidelity, and harmony. The crown above elevates this symbol and gives it the status of 'crowned love' or a happy marriage.

The miniature is marked with the Amsterdam city assay and the horn master's mark.

The miniature is in good condition. The coachman's whip has been added later.

Weight: 73 grams. Dimensions: 3.5 x 5 x 7 cm.

Check out the blog about the silversmith A. van Geffen from Amsterdam here