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Snuffbox

Discover Jean Formey's exquisite 18th-century snuffbox painting, featuring vibrant fruit arrangements on a pink and gold decorated box; bring this Parisian luxury home.

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

Giclée / Art Print

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Snuffbox

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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

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What type of luxury item is the artwork titled 'Snuffbox' depicting?
Question 2:
In what European city was the production of high-quality luxury goods, like those featured here, particularly prominent in the eighteenth century?
Question 3:
According to the photo description, what materials are artistically arranged inside the snuffbox alongside a cup?
Question 4:
Jean Formey was renowned for his expertise in which two artistic fields?
Question 5:
What was the social significance of owning a decorated snuffbox during this period?

Collectible Description

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.

Artist Biography

early life and career

jean formey, a french artist born in paris in 1728, is renowned for his exquisite work as a master goldsmith and enameler. formey's early life is marked by his apprenticeship, which he completed before becoming a compagnon at the gobelins between 1741 and 1754. he officially became a master in paris on july 17, 1754, under the sponsorship of antoine-lazare clérin.

artistic style and notable works

formey's work is characterized by its high quality and attention to detail, making him highly sought after by collectors and museums worldwide. his expertise in goldsmithing led to his appointment as prime warden in 1778, a testament to his respected position within the goldsmiths' corporation.
  • tabatière d'époque louis xv en or de quatre couleurs: a stunning example of formey's work, this oval-shaped snuff-box features panels of musical trophies on scalework ground, surrounded by laurel leaf borders. (view on WahooArt: [https://WahooArt.com/@/jean-formey](https://WahooArt.com/@/jean-formey))
  • boîte à double ouverture en or de louis xv: this double-opening box, also attributed to formey, showcases his mastery of vari-colored gold. (view on WahooArt: [https://WahooArt.com/art.nsf/o/a@d3aujm](https://WahooArt.com/art.nsf/o/a@d3aujm))

museums and collections featuring formey's work

formey's pieces can be found in various museums, including the musée du petit palais (france), which houses an impressive collection of artworks from different periods. (discover more about musée du petit palais on WahooArt: [https://WahooArt.com/@@/a@d3aujm](https://WahooArt.com/@@/a@d3aujm))

legacy and influence

jean formey's legacy as a master goldsmith and enameler continues to inspire artists and collectors alike. his work, characterized by its exceptional quality and attention to detail, remains a significant part of france's rich artistic heritage.
  • view more of jean formey's artworks on WahooArt: [https://WahooArt.com/@/jean-formey](https://WahooArt.com/@/jean-formey)
  • explore the musée du petit palais collection on WahooArt: [https://WahooArt.com/@@/a@d3aujm](https://WahooArt.com/@@/a@d3aujm)

conclusion

jean formey's remarkable career as a master goldsmith and enameler has left an indelible mark on the world of art. through his exquisite pieces, he continues to captivate audiences, offering a glimpse into 18th century france's rich artistic landscape.
Jean Formey

Jean Formey

1728 - 1797 , France

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Goldsmithing & Enamelwork
  • Date Of Birth: Paris, France (1728)
  • Date Of Death: 1797
  • Full Name: Jean Formey
  • Nationality: French
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Tabatière d'époque Louis XV en or de quatre couleurs
    • Boîte à double ouverture en or de louis xv
  • Place Of Birth: Paris
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