A truly interesting object “to study.“ A stunning and perfect large box from the Directory period, showcasing a finely crafted wood inlay of the highest quality cabinetmaking depicting a classic mythological scene linked to the Greek myth of Phaeton, a solar narrative. The large box features a polychrome inlaid design with various types and colors of wood, ivory, and mother-of-pearl to create a highly detailed image. The sides have marquetry inlays with geometric designs, and the four bases are shaped like octagonal columns to impose strength. The central scene shows a radiant figure, likely the sun god Helios-Apollo, on a chariot pulled by horses. The setting includes figures falling to the ground and a female figure in the upper left, a divinity or celestial personification. Perfectly preserved. The interior is lined with soft padding on the bottom and lid, with pastel red velvet, typical of the era. Origin: Piedmont, Italy Period: late 1700s, very early 1800s Style: Neoclassical Measurements: Width 47 cm Depth 31 cm Height 14 cm. Open Height 42 cm Phaeton: The myth of Phaeton and the chariot of the sun tells of the young Phaeton, son of the sun god (Helios), who, to prove his noble lineage, asked his father to drive his fiery chariot for a day. Despite Helios' attempts to dissuade him, Phaeton climbed into the chariot but, being inexperienced, lost control of the horses, which began to fly too high and too low, burning and freezing the earth. To stop the disaster, Zeus struck Phaeton with lightning, causing him to fall into the river Eridanus (now the Po).