Lot N. 1
Art Deco tobacco box in silver and cobalt blue enamel
Austria, Around 1918
rectangular in shape, lid centred with a vase motif embellished with small rose-cut diamonds, vermeil interior engraved with the dedication ‘To Generalessa/Contessa Maria Papafava/War Memorial Padua 1917-1918-1919’ followed by an unidentified engraved autograph, slight defects
gr 170, 6x9 cm
Bears a punch of the Argentiere
Born into a noble family in Perugia, Maria Meniconi-Bracceschi married Francesco Papafava in 1867, the scion of one of Padua's most illustrious families. She immediately made a name for herself in this city for her numerous social battles, starting with those for women's emancipation. She quickly became an important figure both in Italy, promoting Italian Women's Industries, and internationally, joining the International Council of Women. During the Great War, the countess played a decisive role in the field of welfare. The women's council of the Paduan Red Cross organised a series of workshops for the manufacture of linen for its hospitals and soldiers, set up in the palaces of Countesses Cia Giusti del Giardino and Maria Bracceschi Papafava. In the hall of honour of her palace, the countess organised the famous “Papafava workshop” where numerous volunteers sewed uniforms for the soldiers at the front. Through this activity, Maria Bracceschi Papafava also played a leading role in the war effort: her workshop proved to be of great importance to the soldiers at the front.
Born into a noble family in Perugia, Maria Meniconi-Bracceschi married Francesco Papafava in 1867, the scion of one of Padua's most illustrious families. She immediately made a name for herself in this city for her numerous social battles, starting with those for women's emancipation. She quickly became an important figure both in Italy, promoting Italian Women's Industries, and internationally, joining the International Council of Women. During the Great War, the countess played a decisive role in the field of welfare. The women's council of the Paduan Red Cross organised a series of workshops for the manufacture of linen for its hospitals and soldiers, set up in the palaces of Countesses Cia Giusti del Giardino and Maria Bracceschi Papafava. In the hall of honour of her palace, the countess organised the famous “Papafava workshop” where numerous volunteers sewed uniforms for the soldiers at the front. Through this activity, Maria Bracceschi Papafava also played a leading role in the war effort: her workshop proved to be of great importance to the soldiers at the front.