Artwork Page for Snuff Box (Tabatière)

Details / Information for Snuff Box (Tabatière)

Snuff Box (Tabatière)

1777–78

François Chazeray

(French)
Culture
France, 18th century (style of Louis XVI)
Medium
gold and enamel
Measurements
Overall: 2.9 x 3.9 cm (1 1/8 x 1 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Edward B. Greene 1958.124
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

Decorated with allegorical scenes of love, it is likely that this box was a present between lovers.

Description

This box is decorated with figures of antiquity associated with love: winged cupids, dancing nymphs, and representations of the Greek goddess of love. These scenes are inspired by antique cameos, intricately carved gemstones crafted in ancient Greece and Rome. This interest in ancient iconography, symmetry, and classical compositions of gods and goddesses was characteristic of 18th-century neoclassicism.
A rectangular gold and enamel box features a central oval medallion of four white dancing figures against blue. Flanking panels display gray wavy patterns, while green leaf garlands and white floral borders wind around the edges. A circular glass lens is inset on our left. The lid includes black enamel framing a central scene. Intricate gold beading outlines the structure, and delicate floral motifs decorate the ornate surfaces.

Snuff Box (Tabatière)

1777–78

François Chazeray

(French)
France, 18th century (style of Louis XVI)

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