Artwork Info: Snuffbox

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Snuffbox

In eighteenth-century Europe, Paris led the production of high-quality luxury goods. Parisian goldsmiths made a wide range of small, personal articles such as snuffboxes; étuis to hold sealing wax, tweezers, or utensils for sewing; souvenirs, which contained thin ivory tablets for note taking; and shuttles for knotting lace. Gold snuffboxes and boxes decorated with portrait miniatures were prized and frequently given as royal gifts, often to ambassadors or members of the court in lieu of cash payments for their services. Coveted and admired, these boxes were produced from a variety of materials. The best were skillfully made of gold and embellished with diamonds, enameled decoration, lacquer, and other luxurious materials. By the middle of the century, the taking of snuff had become an entrenched social ritual, and the snuffbox, too, had become an important social prop. Snuffboxes were considered highly fashionable accessories, with some merchants advertising new boxes with each change of season. The popularity of snuffboxes extended to all levels of society, and for those who could not afford gold, boxes were produced in less expensive materials such as silver, tortoiseshell, porcelain, or domestically produced lacquer.

Jean Formey (1728 – 1797)

Discover Jean Formey: Master French goldsmith & enameler (1728-1797). Explore exquisite 18th-century works, including snuffboxes & jewelry. Admired for detail & quality.

Metropolitan Museum of Art (new york, United States of America)

Explore The Metropolitan Museum of Art: 5,000 years of art from around the world! Discover masterpieces, ancient artifacts & immersive exhibitions – a global art destination awaits.

About this artwork

Title: Snuffbox
Artist: Jean Formey
Year: 1757
Original dimensions: 4.0 x 8.0 cm
Format: Landscape
Copyright status: Public domain
Where to see it: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Corpus context: goldsmithing luxury parisian taste , social ritual status symbol art
Purpose: Accent
Keywords: french rococo , luxury object art , rococo still life

Quick Facts

Notable elements or techniques: Gold trim, enamel decoration
Medium: Painting (depicting goldsmith work)
Title: Snuffbox
Year: 1757
Artist: Jean Formey
Dimensions: 4 x 8 cm

Snuffbox

Jean Formey (1728 – 1797)

Metropolitan Museum of Art (new york, United States of America)

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Snuffbox

Jean Formey (1728 – 1797)

Metropolitan Museum of Art (new york, United States of America)

About this artwork

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